Super El Niño is Coming to Singapore. Here's How to Keep Yourself Safe With Telemedicine
Source: RapiDr
This is not just a hot year
Singapore is no stranger to heat, but what is coming in the second half of 2026 is different. On 29 May 2026, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) issued a joint advisory confirming that there is more than an 80% chance of El Niño forming between June and July 2026 — with the possibility of strengthening into a strong or super El Niño by August and September.
El Niño already causes Singapore's Southwest Monsoon season (June to September) to run drier and hotter than normal. During the strong 2015 El Niño event, Singapore recorded rainfall levels about 35% below average.
At the same time, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may develop by July or August. The last time both El Niño and a positive IOD struck together was 1997 — Singapore's driest year on record. MSS has explicitly warned that this combination could push conditions beyond what most Singaporeans have experienced in recent years.
MSS and NEA advise that conditions are expected to persist from June through at least October 2026, with some models projecting the event continuing into early 2027.
Source
National Environment Agency (NEA)
What Does this mean for you?
Hotter temperatures, significantly reduced rainfall, and a substantially higher risk of transboundary haze from peatland and vegetation fires in the region — all lasting through October 2026 and potentially beyond.
How do these possible conditions affect your health?
Heated Related Illnesses: prolonged exposure to temperatures above 33°C, combined with humidity levels that prevent sweat from evaporating properly, places your body under serious strain. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur in people who are otherwise healthy, particularly during outdoor activities, commutes, or prolonged time without air conditioning.
Respiratory symptoms from Haze: fine particulate matter (PM2.5) penetrates deep into the lungs and can trigger or worsen conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis. Even people without existing lung conditions can experience coughing, throat irritation, eye redness, and shortness of breath when PSI levels are elevated. You can read more about our Haze article here.
Worsening of Chronic Conditions: Sustained heat raises blood pressure, disrupts blood sugar control in diabetics, and increases strain on the kidneys and cardiovascular system. Haze compounds this by increasing systemic inflammation.
We also wrote about a heat-related article here.
Source Ministry of Manpower SingaporeWho is Likely to be More Vulnerable to the Exposure to Heat Injuries in Singapore?
Those at higher risk include the elderly, young children, outdoor workers, pregnant women, and people managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease. Newcomers such as tourists and relocated professionals from cooler climates are also particularly vulnerable since their bodies have not adapted to sustained heat and humidity.
Source Ministry of Health Singapore
Why Going to a Clinic in These Conditions Could Potentially be Its Own Risk
Waiting outside in 34°C heat while already symptomatic from heat exhaustion worsens your condition. Travelling outdoors when PSI is above 100 exposes you to the very particulates that are irritating your airways. For elderly patients, young children, or those already unwell, the journey to a clinic can be physically taxing enough to turn a manageable illness into something more serious.
This is where telemedicine is not simply more convenient, it could the safer option.
How RapiDr Can Help You Through El Niño Season
Telemedicine enables more frequent check-ins with a doctor without the physical burden of repeated clinic visits. Medication adjustments, monitoring guidance, and early intervention for deteriorating symptoms can all be handled remotely, keeping your condition stable without unnecessary trips outdoors.
Consulting from a Place of Comfort: If you are already feeling symptoms of Heat Stress, being exposed outside might not be an ideal scenario. Travelling to a physical clinic might worsen the conditions. Raise a consult with RapiDr from $8.90 while staying away from the heat.
Appropriate Medical Attention: Our RapiDrs would advise you to seek immediate medical attention if you are at risk or simply rest at home.Doctors are registered with the Singapore Medical Council and held to the same professional standards as clinic-based GPs. RapiDr also does deliveries should your doctor determine that you require it.
Resting at Home with a Medical Certificate (MC): Following a proper clinical assessment, RapiDrs will determine if your heat injury deems you are valid for school or work. MCs issued through regulated platforms are valid for workplace and school use.
Monitoring chronic conditions more easily: During prolonged heat and haze periods, those managing hypertension, diabetes, or respiratory conditions benefit from more regular check-ins. Telemedicine makes this practical without the burden of repeated clinic visits.
Medication Delivery to your doorstep: For conditions that require treatment, RapiDr can arrange for medication delivery.
For heat-related concerns is typically assessed through symptoms, vital signs that you can describe or measure at home, and medical history. A licensed doctor can guide you through appropriate steps and determine whether you need further care. Please note that all treatment plans here are not exhaustive and should not be taken as a confirmation or diagnosis. Please raise a consult with RapiDr from $8.90 to find out more.
Source: RapiDr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How else can you keep yourself safe from Singapore’s heat? What are some of the things you can do?
Avoid Being Outdoors between 11am to 3pm when solar radiations are at it’s highest.
Drink water regularly not only when you feel thirsty. Adults should aim for two to two and a half litres daily; more if you are physically active or working outdoors. It is also recommended to add in hydrating salts if you pespire profusely.
Use curtains and fans to prevent heat from building indoors and circulating cooler air in the house.
Keep tabs on the weather to make sure you are apporpriately dressed