Tropical Cyclone Warnings
Regional cyclone alerts & track advisories
Singapore sits close to the equator and is rarely directly hit by tropical cyclones, but storms in the South China Sea and Andaman Sea can bring heavy rain, strong winds and large swell to the region. The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) issues advisories when cyclones may affect regional weather. For the latest, visit the NEA tropical cyclone page.
Tropical Cyclone Classification (WMO Northwest Pacific)
| Category | Sustained Wind (10-min mean) | Damage Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Depression | < 62 km/h (force 7) | Minimal |
| Tropical Storm | 62–88 km/h (force 8–9) | Light to moderate |
| Severe Tropical Storm | 88–117 km/h (force 10–11) | Moderate to extensive |
| Typhoon | 118–149 km/h (force 12) | Extensive |
| Severe Typhoon | 150–184 km/h | Severe |
| Super Typhoon | ≥ 185 km/h | Devastating |
Sustained-wind values use the WMO 10-minute mean, which is the standard used by the Japan Meteorological Agency and most regional agencies. The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center uses a 1-minute mean, so its reported wind speeds for the same storm can be ~10–15% higher.
Cyclone Seasons Affecting the Region
South China Sea
Main season: May – November
The most relevant basin for Singapore. Storms forming here can bring heavy rain bands and gusty winds as they track toward Vietnam, southern China or the Philippines.
Bay of Bengal & Andaman Sea
Main season: April – December (two peaks)
Less direct impact on Singapore, but major storms can influence regional wind patterns and the Southwest Monsoon.
How Cyclones Affect Singapore
Singapore’s proximity to the equator (1.3°N) makes a direct cyclone hit extremely unlikely — cyclones need the Coriolis effect to spin up, which is essentially zero at the equator. However, the outer rain bands of distant cyclones can still affect Singapore indirectly:
- Heavy rain & thunderstorms — moisture funneled in by cyclone outflow can enhance afternoon convection.
- Strong winds — pressure gradients around a nearby cyclone can bring gusty conditions.
- Large swell & rip currents — cyclones in the South China Sea send long-period swell toward the Strait of Singapore.
- Aviation disruption — nearby cyclones can alter flight routes and cause delays.
Related Regional Hazards
Why a cyclone almost never lands here
At 1.3°N there is almost no Coriolis force to spin a storm up. Cyclones usually form at least 5° from the equator. The exception is Tropical Storm Vamei in December 2001, which formed at about 1.5°N and passed just south of Singapore with 75 km/h winds. That is treated as a freak, not a season.
What we actually feel is the common case: rain bands and outflow from a South China Sea storm pulling moisture around. Open the 480 km radar and the warnings page when a named storm is in the basin.