Monsoon Surge Floods Singapore with Record-Breaking Rainfall, Disrupting Golf Tournament and Airport Operations

By
Noreen Shazreen
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A powerful monsoon surge has taken over Singapore since 19 March 2025, causing widespread disruptions across the island nation.

The persistent downpour has affected businesses, outdoor activities, and travel plans, with rainfall levels far exceeding monthly averages in several areas, reported The Straits Times.

According to the national water agency PUB, Jurong West recorded 318mm of rain, while eastern Singapore saw 298.4mm – both surpassing Singapore’s average monthly rainfall of 209.7mm for March.

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The lowest temperature during this period dropped to 21.9C in Tuas South around 10am on 20 March.

Flooding and Disruptions

The heavy rainfall caused flooding along a 15m stretch at the intersection of Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview for approximately two hours on 20 March.

PUB explained that the flooding resulted from “a combination of heavy rainfall and high tide that temporarily overwhelmed the adjacent canal and surrounding roadside drains”. Water also entered a nearby property.

Quick Response Teams from PUB assisted residents by setting up portable barriers to reduce flooding impact and deployed pumps to remove water from the flooded road.

Over the two-day period, PUB issued flood risk warnings for several locations, including the intersection of Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview, as well as sections of the Pan-Island Expressway and East Coast Parkway.

Impact on Sports and Events

The unrelenting rain forced the postponement of the 2025 Porsche Singapore Classic golf tournament at Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

“Due to persistent inclement weather, round one of the Porsche Singapore Classic will not commence today and will take place on Friday (21 March), with tee times remaining as originally published,” announced DP World Tour on X.

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The tournament’s pro-am event had already been cancelled a day earlier due to the heavy rain.

For the tournament to proceed, a minimum of 36 holes must be played. The event features a strong international field, including world No. 14 Robert MacIntyre from Scotland, and former DP World Tour winners Jordan Smith and Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Other golf clubs, including Singapore Island Country Club, Keppel, and Sentosa, also suspended play due to the weather conditions.

Effects on Transportation and Operations

The monsoon surge has raised concerns about disruptions to key operations across Singapore.

Ground handler and in-flight catering services provider SATS warned that its Singapore hub team could face operational challenges at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport when thunderstorms and heavy rain trigger lightning alerts, restricting airside operations.

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“Our staff have been reminded to be extra vigilant as heavy rain may affect visibility. Lightning risks may mean that staff cannot work on the tarmac to service aircraft and loading/unloading of bags and cargo may be delayed,” SATS stated in a LinkedIn post on 20 March.

The company also cautioned that wet roads increase the risk of skidding, while wet pathways create slip and fall hazards.

Weather Forecast

The Meteorological Service Singapore predicted that the monsoon surge would last until 21 March, bringing moderate to heavy rain across the country.

The three-day weather event has aligned with official forecasts, with authorities continuing to monitor conditions closely.

As Singapore braces for the final day of the monsoon surge, residents and visitors are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions when travelling.

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Noreen Shazreen
Email: [email protected]