The proactive measure arrives as the Republic faces a warming climate and an intensifying El Nino weather phenomenon.
How Singapore’s National Heatwave Response Plan Operates
Under the national framework announced by the MSE, the public will receive at least four days of advance warning regarding an impending heatwave through the national weather app, myENV, according to Chong. Once the response plan is activated, the exact locations of the more than 300 cooling centres will be made public.
These designated spaces include community centres, selected Residents’ Committee or Residents’ Network centres, and specific indoor sports halls. When a centre approaches full capacity, priority access is allocated to vulnerable populations such as elderly residents, Chong stated during an August 18 interview at the Environment Building.
Did you know? The country experienced its last heatwave in April 2016.
Comparing Climate Pressures: Singapore and Los Angeles
Urban centers globally are increasingly formalizing heat resilience strategies as extreme temperatures lengthen. In Los Angeles, the city’s first chief heat officer, Marta Segura, utilized geographic information system (GIS) technology and an interactive app called Cool Spots LA to map over 200 cooling centers, hydration stations, and public pools based on social vulnerability and urban heat island data. Similarly, Singapore’s MSE is coordinating cross-sector plans to manage rising temperatures that affect not only public health but also worker productivity and critical infrastructure.
Data from the National Environment Agency (NEA) highlights a sharp rise in thermal stress. NEA recorded 17 days of high heat stress across nine monitoring stations this year, a significant increase from just five days during the same period in 2025.
Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups and Infrastructure
Because a heatwave response plan has never been rolled out before, the newly formed Heat Resilience Policy Office is actively coordinating with community partners like Social Service Offices. According to Chong, these agencies will conduct targeted outreach to direct seniors toward nearby cooling spaces and provide tailored aid, such as distributing additional personal fans to senior care residential centres.
Beyond human health, the newly independent heat office is examining potential risks to critical infrastructure. Drawing comparisons to recent European heatwaves that led to cracked roads and buildings, and melted road surfaces, Chong noted that officials are closely monitoring whether local buildings, pipes, and transport systems require future investments to withstand extreme thermal loads.
Pro Tip: During periods of high heat stress, which is indicated on the NEA website or myENV app, people should take more frequent breaks under shade and wear lightweight clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the cooling centres open in Singapore?
The cooling centres will open islandwide only after a national heatwave response plan is officially activated, with their exact locations revealed at that time, according to the MSE.
How will residents know a heatwave is coming?
The public will receive alerts at least four days in advance through Singapore’s national weather app, myENV.
What qualifies as a heatwave in Singapore?
Who gets priority access if cooling centres fill up?
Priority is given to vulnerable individuals, including elderly residents, if a cooling centre nears full capacity.
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