Persistent rainfall, which began on the morning of January 10 and continued into January 11, wreaked havoc on travel plans and outdoor activities, leaving many Singaporeans grappling with delays and cancellations.
Flight Disruptions and Travel Chaos
A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines confirmed that over 50 flights were delayed or rescheduled over the two-day period due to adverse weather conditions. The heavy rains disrupted travel plans for both local and international passengers.
Outdoor Activities and Events Affected
At East Coast Park’s Aloha Sea Sports Centre, a hub for water sports enthusiasts, typically lively weekend activities were severely impacted. General Manager Loh Fock Jin reported that continuous downpours led to 10 booking cancellations for stand-up paddling and windsurfing sessions on January 11 and 12.
The heavy rain, attributed to a monsoon surge, caused winds to intensify, driving cold air southward across the South China Sea. The National Environment Agency (NEA) predicted that temperatures in certain areas could dip to as low as 22°C.
Flood Warnings and Weather Alerts
Singapore’s national water agency, PUB, issued a flash flood warning for the period from January 10 to 13. Local authorities also warned of possible disruptions due to the ongoing monsoon surge.
Golf Tournaments and Rugby Matches Postponed
Outdoor sporting events also faced disruption. Two golf tournaments scheduled for January 11—one at Changi Golf Club and another at Singapore Island Country Club—were forced to halt due to the downpours, as confirmed by official announcements. Additionally, four matches in the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) National League were postponed, with two others moved to alternate pitches.
Sidney Kumar, SRU’s General Manager, also revealed that the weekend training sessions for hundreds of children enrolled in the Junior Rugby Clubs Singapore program had to be canceled.
Canceled Outdoor Events and Flooded Infrastructure
Other planned outdoor activities, such as a beach clean-up at Pulau Ubin organized by Drama Box on January 11, were also canceled due to the relentless rain. Public infrastructure, too, was affected—lifts in a Serangoon Housing Board block were temporarily shut down after water ingress caused by the heavy downpour. Ang Mo Kio Town Council provided updates via Facebook on January 11, confirming that water seepage had made two lifts inoperable at Block 454 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4.
Impact on Businesses
Businesses were not immune to the disruption. Lian Huat Seafood, a local fishmonger, expressed frustration on its Facebook page about delays in deliveries caused by the rain. Meanwhile, JuzFish ArtQuatics, a goldfish farm in Sungei Tengah, temporarily closed its doors on January 10. The farm’s owner, Mr. Yap, cited concerns that the prolonged rain posed a risk to his stock of exotic and tropical fish due to the slightly acidic rainwater. In anticipation of further rain, he planned to take preventive measures, including water changes and covering tanks with plastic sheets.
Rainy Day Resilience
Despite the dreary weather, some events carried on with remarkable resilience. Temasek Polytechnic’s open house, held from January 9 to 11, went ahead as planned, with live performances and a lively crowd. A video posted on the school’s Instagram account on January 11 showed attendees dancing in the rain, while others enjoyed the festivities under umbrellas and ponchos.
Victoria Junior College similarly embraced the rainy conditions, sharing social media clips on January 11 that captured students and visitors actively engaging in open house activities while staying dry beneath umbrellas and tents.
As the rain continued, many Singaporeans adapted to the wet conditions, finding ways to enjoy the weather while navigating the disruptions it caused.