Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Climate and Weather Research Alliance Singapore

Question:

To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) how will improved weather forecasting being developed by the Climate and Weather Research Alliance be used in the military, aviation and maritime sectors which are highly affected by weather conditions; and (b) when are these early and accurate weather forecast and warning capabilities expected to be ready.

Answer:

1 The Climate and Weather Research Alliance Singapore, or CAWRAS (pronounced as “chorus”), was launched in September this year to advance tropical climate and weather research for Singapore and Southeast Asia.

2 As a city-state near the equator, Singapore experiences severe weather events such as thunderstorms, atmospheric turbulence, sudden wind gusts, and extreme heat. Weather forecasting for Singapore is challenging due to complex tropical weather processes. Traditional weather prediction models, often developed for larger, more predictable weather systems in mid-latitude regions, may not adequately capture our tropical weather dynamics.

3 CAWRAS leverages on the latest technological advancements such as high-resolution modelling and artificial intelligence to increase the accuracy, timeliness and resolution of weather forecasts tailored to our unique context. The first projects are expected to be completed by 2029, with improvements from the research progressively deployed to enhance weather forecasting services provided by the Meteorological Service Singapore.

4 CAWRAS will provide our public with more timely and accurate weather forecasts, so that we can make better informed decisions for our outdoor activities and take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones from extreme weather conditions. It will also empower agencies and stakeholders with the necessary weather data to proactively mitigate weather-related risks and optimise decision-making processes across critical weather-dependant sectors, including:

            (i) Improving operational safety and efficiency for air traffic controllers, airline operators and ground handlers;

          (ii) Optimising vessel traffic management, cargo handling, and safety of bunkering operations in the maritime sector; and

        (iii) Mitigating risks to our military servicemen from adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, lightning and heat stress, during military training exercises.