Maximum daily air temperature Singapore 1960-2023

In 2023, the mean maximum daily air temperature in Singapore was 31.9 degrees Celsius. This was a rise of more than one degree since 1960. The last three decades have seen the maximum daily air temperature in Singapore constantly above 31 degrees, reflecting a concerning trend in the country's climate.

Singapore is heating up

The increase in Singapore’s air temperatures is also reflected in the mean minimum daily air temperature. Since 1960, this value has increased by two degrees, to 25.7 degrees Celsius. The rising temperatures could be attributed to the urban heat island effect. Singapore has undergone rapid urbanization, transforming the island into a sprawling concrete jungle. This resulted in a decrease in natural vegetation cover and an increase in urban materials, such as black asphalt and concrete, that trap and reflect heat.

Singaporeans are worried about rising temperatures

The rise in temperatures has not gone unnoticed by Singaporeans, who are increasingly concerned about climate change. Moreover, a survey on global issues indicated that 70 percent of Singaporeans believed that there would likely be more extreme weather events in 2023 than in 2022, surpassing the global average in their conviction. To try and mitigate climate change, the government of Singapore has set a target of reducing greenhouse emissions by 36 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. However, it remains to be seen how attainable this goal is, especially since Singapore’s greenhouse gas emissions reached a seven-year high in 2021.