Expert Cloud Gazer: Navigating Singapore's Weather as a Meteorologist

In the shadow of the clouds, Leong Pei Yi is not lost in reverie. She is studying them as part of her duties at the Meteorological Service Singapore MSS. Clouds have always captivated her with their diverse shapes and sizes, sparking her interest in meteorology.

As a meteorologist tasked with predicting weather conditions, she meticulously analyzes data to forecast the upcoming weather patterns, issues timely and reliable forecasts, and disseminates public advisories for adverse weather situations.

Pei Yi utilizes an array of meteorological data, gathered from on-ground observation stations and systems like radars that scan skies. She also relies on numerical weather predictionto guide her predictions.

During ground observations - an integral part of her work complementing the various data she gathers – Pei Yi looks out for cumulonimbus clouds; dense low clouds soaring up to 15km high, with water droplets frozen into ice at their peak. If you see them, prepare yourself as they are a precursor to oncoming thunderstorms.

The Impact of Weather Forecasting

Pei Yi's ability to predict thunderstorms is crucial for various sectors such as aviation, construction and maritime activities, which can be impacted by low visibility, strong winds, lightning risks and other adverse conditions.

In the aviation industry, Pei Yi's forecasts allow r traffic controllers to redirect flights for safety due to developing thunderstorms. Operators subscribe to these weather forecasts issued several times a day to schedule their flights efficiently.

Pei Yi and her colleagues also issue warnings typically within 15 minutes prior to storms forming. This enables swift actionsr traffic controllers to ensure safety.

Despite advances in numerical weather predictionleading to improved forecasts, Pei Yi points out the challenges of predicting tropical weather systems which MSS encounters due to their dynamic nature. To improve Singapore's forecasting capabilities, MSS' Centre for Climate Research Singapore developed a local weather prediction model called “SINGV”, collaborating with UK Meteorological Office.

With a spatial resolution of 1.5km – allowing better modeling of small-scale localized thunderstorms – forecasts in the tropics can be delivered more accurately.

Pei Yi monitors geophysical hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, along with transboundary smoke haze that may affect our region.

During significant events like National Day Parade, Pei Yi ensures MSS employs meteorologists on-site to assess weather conditions and provide relevant advisories.

The final output of the weather forecast is avlable on the MSS website and can be accessed via the myENV app for public use.

Pathway into Meteorology

Meteorologists usually require degrees in meteorology or atmospheric sciences but Pei Yi's background differs. She has a degree in Environmental Engineering and was previously an engineer in the private sector.

Pei Yi seized an opportunity to explore a new area of work when she saw a vacancy for a meteorologist role at MSS, despite her lack of experience in the field.

Upon joining MSS Central Forecast Office, she underwent trning organized by Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology over seven months due to COVID-19 constrnts, conducted online. This included learning how to interpret data and apply it effectively.

Pei Yi's work involves trying various approaches when forecasts don't turn out as expected. Instead of dwelling on flures, she appreciates the learning process, finding joy in figuring out why things didn't go as planned and how she can improve next time.

With her team providing reliable weather advisories day and night, we can enjoy our outdoor activities safely.

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