New heat stress advisory introduced by MSE, NEA; helps Singaporeans minimise risk of heat stress and heat-related illnesses
Members of the public can check heat stress levels on the myENV app or on the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) website.
In light of rising temperatures due to climate change, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have launched a new heat stress advisory to help members of the public make more informed decisions when engaging in outdoor activities.
Launched on Monday (Jul 24), the heat stress advisory can be accessed through the myENV app and Meteorological Service Singapore’s (MSS) website.
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 prepare for prolonged outdoor activities.
It follows three levels of risk of heat stress – low, moderate and high – and is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), an internationally recognised measurement that reflects the main environmental factors contributing to heat stress.
WBGT readings are derived from an islandwide network of nine sensors operated by NEA and are affected by air temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation.
The advisory also provides tips for members of the public to adjust their activities, take protective action, and wear appropriate attire depending on the prevailing heat stress levels and WBGT readings.
On days with low heat stress, indicated by the WBGT as less than 31 degrees Celsius, the public can continue normal daily activities, wear regular clothing and hydrate as usual.
When WBGT readings indicate moderate heat stress, between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, the public is encouraged to reduce outdoor activities, take breaks under shelter, drink more fluids, avoid layering clothes, use umbrellas or hats and monitor for signs for heat-related illnesses.
For high heat stress, indicated by the WBGT as more than 33 degrees Celsius, the public is advised to minimise outdoor activities, drink more fluids, monitor for signs for heat-related illnesses, take breaks and cool down actively and wear light-coloured, thin and absorbent clothing.
The advisory, while for the general population, also provides specific guidance on which groups of people are more vulnerable to heat stress.
These groups include the elderly, children and infants, pregnant women, people who are ill, recently recovered, or have chronic conditions and recent travellers from cooler climates.
The myENV app will display 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. The app can be downloaded on both Google Play and App Store.
