SINGAPORE, July 24 — As temperatures keep rising amid climate change, the authorities here today launched a “heat stress advisory”, so that members of the public can make informed decisions on undertaking prolonged outdoor activities.
“Heat is a rapidly growing health risk, due to burgeoning urbanisation in Singapore, an increase in high temperature extremes as was seen in May, and the ageing populations we have in Singapore,” he said in response to TODAY’s queries. WBGT, a global standard, takes into account various environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, to provide a more accurate measurement of heat stress conditions.
For instance, “low heat stress” is defined as a WBGT of under 31°C . In low heat stress, the public is advised to continue normal activities. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women and those who recently travelled from cooler climates, should exercise greater caution.