Update on Efforts of Mercury Task Force to Tackle Heatwaves

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the efforts of the Mercury Task Force to tackle heatwave situation in Singapore; and (b) whether there is a need to review the criteria in which heatwave is to be declared.

The Government has put in place a multi-agency heatwave response plan which is coordinated by the Mercury Task Force. This plan will be activated when the Meteorological Service Singapore forecasts a heatwave. The plan includes the opening of cooling centres islandwide where members of the public can seek respite from the heat, stepped up public communications on recommended actions to minimise heat-related injuries and targeted support for various segments of the population especially those who face greater heat stress risk. These build on ongoing initiatives to manage heat stress for members of the public and specific population segments like outdoor workers.

Ahead of every hot season from March to May each year, Mercury Task Force agencies refresh their plans and ensure that stakeholders in their respective sectors are familiar with heat stress management protocols and heatwave response measures.

In Singapore, a heatwave is declared when the daily maximum temperature averaged across all weather stations is at least 35oC for three consecutive days, and the average daily mean temperature throughout the period is at least 29oC. This definition remains relevant in our current climate.