La Niña brings more rain, but the weather is not necessarily cooler
Short-Term La Niña May Have Limited Impact on Temperature
The weak La Niña currently affecting the region is expected to bring more rainfall but is unlikely to significantly lower temperatures. According to the Singapore Meteorological Department (GMD), La Niña began in December 2024 and may last until April or May 2025, before returning to a neutral state.
La Niña, a climate phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, typically leads to cooler and wetter conditions in the western Pacific, including Singapore. However, due to long-term global warming, its cooling effect may be minimal. The previous La Niña from 2020 to 2023 lasted three years and still saw record-high temperatures, including 37°C in May 2023.
Experts suggest that the upcoming monsoon transition (March to May) will bring hot weather and thunderstorms, potentially canceling out any cooling effects from La Niña. While increased rainfall is expected, it may not be noticeably different from typical monsoon conditions.
