JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND MSE

Singapore, 24 July 2023 – The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have launched a Heat Stress Advisory for the public. The advisory will help the general population make more informed decisions on undertaking prolonged outdoor activities, so that they can minimise the risk of heat stress and heat-related illnesses. The Heat Stress Advisory can be accessed via the myENV app and weather information website (www.weather.gov.sg).

2                With climate change, many countries in the world, including Singapore, are seeing rising temperatures. The last 10 years from 2013 to 2022 was Singapore’s warmest decade on record. On 13 May 2023, a 37 degrees Celsius air temperature was recorded at Ang Mo Kio, equaling the previous record set on 17 April 1983.

3                It is therefore important for members of the public to adapt to rising temperatures. MSE and NEA have developed the Heat Stress Advisory in consultation with the Ministry of Health’s Heat Stress Guidelines Expert Panel [1]. The Advisory aims to provide information on areas of Singapore where people may experience heightened levels of heat stress and how the general population should adapt for prolonged outdoor activities.

4                The Advisory, detailed in Annex B, follows three levels of risk of heat stress – low, moderate, and high – and is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). The Advisory will provide simple tips for members of the public to adjust their activities, take protective action, and wear appropriate attire depending on the prevailing heat stress levels.

5                The WBGT is an internationally recognised measurement that reflects the main environmental factors contributing to heat stress. Besides air temperature, WBGT is also affected by humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. Details of the WBGT are outlined in Annex C. The WBGT readings are derived from an islandwide network of nine sensors operated by NEA. There are plans to expand the network over the next two years.

6                Prior to undertaking prolonged outdoor activities, members of the public can check the Heat Stress levels on the myENV app or on the weather information website (Annex D). The myENV app displays the Heat Stress levels based on the WBGT measurements from the sensor closest to the user’s location. Existing users of myENV will need to update the app to the latest version to access the heat stress feature. 

7                 While the Advisory provides general guidance, members of the public should also take into consideration individual circumstances, such as health, age, duration, and intensity of intended outdoor activities.

8                Specific segments of the public with specific conditions or those who are required to be engaged in prolonged outdoor activities should refer to the respective sectoral guidelines. For example, companies and workers should refer to guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower, students should follow their school’s guidelines, and Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team personnel and National Servicemen should refer to their own sector-specific guidelines.