Singapore launches national plan to combat heatwaves with dedicated government task force

2024 was the warmest year on record for Singapore. Average temperatures have been increasing recently, though not as much as in other countries in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, a heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures of at least 35 °C and a daily mean temperature of no less than 29 °C. According to Singapore’s Third National Climate Change Study, temperatures exceeding 35 °C could be the new norm by 2050 ^[1].

 

In response to warming trends highlighted in Singapore’s Third National Climate Change Study, the Mercury Taskforce was set up in 2023, an inter-agency initiative led by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the National Environment Agency (NEA). The Mercury Taskforce is made up of 37 public agencies including the health, social and family development, education, defence and manpower ministries, as well as People’s Association and Sport Singapore.

 

In March 2025, the Mercury Taskforce launched a national heatwave response plan ^[2]. To help Singapore prepare for extreme heat, a network of cooling spaces will be set up across the island, including community centres, residents’ committees, and indoor sports halls. These air-conditioned zones will provide relief during periods of extreme heat, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and manual labourers.

 

To ensure timely and accurate responses, the government plans to expand the network of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring stations in the first semester of 2025. The WBGT index is globally recognised system of measuring heat stress which factors in air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. A WBGT reading of 33 °C or higher will signals high heat stress, prompting precautionary measures.

 

The Mercury Taskforce’s guidelines will reinforce existing regulations to protect outdoor workers from heat stress. In schools, protective measures include suspending outdoor activities or even shifting to partial or full home-based learning if heat conditions worsen.

 

 

Sources

[1] Impact of Climate Change in Singapore. https://www.nccs.gov.sg/singapores-climate-action/impact-of-climate-change-in-singapore/

[2] https://www.peoplemattersglobal.com/news/economy-policy/singapores-heat-response-plan-unveiled-amid-monsoon-44839

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/national-heatwave-response-plan-a-signal-that-spore-should-start-taking-heat-seriously