Oral Reply to Parliamentary Question on Lightning Alert System

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4 August 2026

Oral Reply to Parliamentary Question on lightning alert system by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment.

Questions:

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Government has assessed the effectiveness and public take-up of Singapore's existing lightning alert system, including the myENV app; and (b) whether further measures are needed to improve public awareness, timely warnings and safety for those participating in outdoor and water-based recreational activities.

Mr Sharael Taha: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment in light of the recent fatal lightning strike involving a paddleboarder off Pasir Ris Beach, whether the Ministry will review, with relevant agencies, measures to mitigate lightning risks at beaches and outdoor recreational areas, including (i) public warning systems (ii) real-time lightning alerts and (iii) public education efforts.

Answer:

Singapore, located near the Equator, is amongst the world's most lightning-prone countries. The National Environment Agency's (NEA) Changi Climate Station observes lightning on average, about 176 days a year, or one in every two days. NEA operates a comprehensive lightning detection system, which detects cloud-to-ground lightning, as well as lightning occurring within thunderstorm clouds. Data from the detection system is used to provide real-time lightning alerts to the public through the myENV app. Users subscribing to lightning alerts for a specific location will receive an alert if there is detection of cloud-to-ground lightning or forecasts of thundery showers occurring in the next two hours issued within a 6km radius of that location. This includes situations when the thunderstorm may not be directly overhead.

NEA will continue to work with agencies such as Sports Singapore (SportsSG) and MOE schools to support the safe conduct of outdoor activities and the operation of their facilities. It will also continue to improve public awareness of mitigating lightning risks through myENV. In addition, NEA is revamping the myENV app to make it more user-centric, personalised accessible to weather advisories, including lightning alerts.