ST looks at why Singapore is a lightning magnet and whether climate change will increase the likelihood of such strikes.SINGAPORE - Located near the equator, Singapore has become a contender for the world’s lightning capital with its many thunderstorms.
There are on average 175 days that lightning was detected in Singapore annually, based on records at the Changi Climate Station, the National Environment Agency’s MSS told ST.Thunderstorms that occur all year round in Singapore arise from two major rain-bearing weather systems. A lightning strike damaged components in a power control box near Kranji MRT station and caused a power trip on June 3. PHOTO: SMRT FACEBOOKThe highest lightning activity occurs in April, May, October and November, said MSS.
Theoretically, soaring temperatures worldwide due to climate change could boost the odds of a thunderstorm. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, or about 7 per cent more moisture per 1 deg C of warming, according to the Royal Meteorological Society in the United Kingdom. This could result in more lightning, as convection currents - heat-driven cycles caused by differences in temperature - will become more frequent, he added.
Only about 10 per cent of people who are struck by lightning are killed, according to statistics from the US National Weather Service.Lightning strikes can damage equipment, but infrastructure like lighting rods have been put in place to shield people in Singapore.