A powerful monsoon surge has swept across Singapore over the past two days, unleashing torrential rain, flash floods, and widespread disruptions. Since March 19, the relentless downpour has inundated streets, shuttered businesses, and delayed travel, casting a shadow over the city-state during what is typically a drier period. With rainfall totals in some areas surpassing the monthly average in just 48 hours, the unusual weather—linked to La Niña conditions—has left residents, businesses, and travelers grappling with the fallout.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Flooding
Singapore’s national water agency, PUB, reported staggering rainfall figures as of 7 p.m. on March 20. Jurong West recorded 318 millimeters, while eastern Singapore saw 298.4 millimeters—both far exceeding the average March rainfall of 209.7 millimeters. The deluge triggered flash floods in several areas, including a 15-meter stretch at the intersection of Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview, which remained underwater for about two hours on March 20. Nearby properties also reported flooding within their premises.
The Meteorological Service Singapore noted a temperature drop to 21.9 degrees Celsius in Tuas South on the morning of March 20, an unusually low mark for the tropical city. In an update later that day, the agency signaled that the surge was weakening, with showers expected to ease overnight. Yet, for many, the damage was already done. 
Businesses Bear the Brunt
The heavy rains have dealt a severe blow to local businesses, particularly those reliant on outdoor activities. Golf clubs like the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Keppel, and Sentosa were forced to suspend play or close courses entirely on March 19 and 20. The high-profile Porsche Singapore Classic, a US$2.5 million (S$3.3 million; approximately US$2.5 million as of March 21, 2025) DP World Tour event at Laguna National Golf Resort Club, saw its opening round postponed from March 20 to March 21, with subsequent rounds rescheduled.
Sentosa’s beachfront establishments reported drastic drops in foot traffic. Ola Beach Club at Siloso Beach saw just 10 percent of its usual crowd on March 20, according to staff member Gwen Tan. “The businesses around us have also been badly hit” she said. The club, which offers water sports alongside a restaurant and bar, has halted hiring part-time staff for weekdays due to the slump. Similarly, Tanjong Beach Club welcomed only half its typical visitors, while Rumours Beach Club faced a 70 percent cancellation rate for reservations on March 20.
In the food and beverage sector, some owners are getting creative to weather the storm. Sean Onn, owner of Southwest@Punggol in New Punggol Road, reported daily sales plummeting to under $1,000 from a usual $2,300. In response, he launched a promotion offering $20 return vouchers to customers who visit during the rain, available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 1,000 guests. “I thought of giving return vouchers to appeal to my customers to return” Onn explained.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Concerns
Travelers faced significant hurdles as the monsoon surge disrupted both road and air traffic. A fallen tree along the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) toward Woodlands Checkpoint caused delays on March 20, while bus operator Tower Transit Singapore warned of delays of up to 30 minutes for service 966 in a Facebook post. At Changi and Seletar Airports, numerous flights were canceled, rescheduled, or diverted. Changi’s website listed affected arrivals and departures for carriers like Jetstar, Scoot, and TransNusa, with some flights to Jakarta, Seoul, and Phuket retimed. Seletar saw disruptions to Malaysian airline Firefly’s operations.
Aviation services provider Sats, in a LinkedIn post, urged patience as its teams navigated the challenges. “Our staff have been reminded to be extra vigilant as heavy rain may affect visibility” the company stated, highlighting risks such as lightning delaying tarmac operations and wet pathways posing slip-and-fall hazards. Despite the setbacks, Sats affirmed that customer service agents were on hand to assist passengers and cargo clients.
Unusual Weather Patterns
The timing of this monsoon surge has puzzled experts, as such intense and prolonged rain is more typical of the north-east monsoon season between December and January. Dr. Koh Tieh Yong, co-chair of the Asian-Australian monsoon working group under the World Climate Research Programme, attributed the extended season to La Niña conditions that emerged in February. These conditions have warmed sea surface temperatures in the region, fueling persistent rainfall. “It is unusual for the north-east monsoon to stretch into late March” Dr. Koh noted.
As netizens shared striking images online of low-hanging clouds obscuring landmarks like Pinnacle@Duxton and parts of the Central Business District, the event underscored the growing unpredictability of weather patterns in the region. For now, Singaporeans are left to adapt as the city recovers from the deluge.
A City Soaked, but Resilient
From flooded streets to empty beaches, the monsoon surge has tested Singapore’s infrastructure and spirit over the past two days. While the rains may be easing, the ripple effects on businesses, travel, and daily life linger. As the city dries out, stories of adaptation—like return vouchers and scaled-back hiring—paint a picture of a community finding ways to cope with nature’s unexpected turns. For now, residents and visitors alike keep a wary eye on the skies, hoping for clearer days ahead.
