SINGAPORE - The Republic experienced its hottest day of the year on April 4, with the mercury soaring to 35.9 deg C in Paya Lebar at 2.54pm, a spokesman for the National Environment Agency told The Straits Times.

The weatherman explained that it is not uncommon for daily maximum temperatures to exceed 35 deg C as Singapore is currently in the inter-monsoon period, which started in April and ends in May.

During this period, warmer temperatures and thundery showers in the afternoon are expected.

In 2022, the country saw a total of 23 days exceeding 35.2 deg C over various areas. The highest temperature recorded in 2022 was 36.8 deg C in Admiralty on April 1.

Apart from the sweltering heat, the current surge in temperatures has affected some Singaporeans in other ways.

Hotel receptionist Juanita See, 29, said: “I am indoors with air-conditioning for most of the day. But over the past month, once I am out, the drastic temperature shift has caused a skin reaction which seems like hives.”

She observed bumps forming on her face and hands after about 20 minutes out in the sun.

The Meteorological Service Singapore said earlier in April that the first two weeks of the month will be warm, with afternoon thundery showers, as the monsoon rain band is set to lie close to the equatorial region and bring more showers.

Daily temperatures should range between 24 deg C and 34 deg C on most days, and may reach 35 deg C or higher on days that are less cloudy, it added.