Burst flooding in Singapore: an emerging urban flooding type revealed by high-temporal-resolution observations

Abstract Urbanisation significantly alters the interaction between land surface and the lower troposphere, impacting occurrences of natural hazards. The influence of urbanisation on natural hazards like heatwaves, hailstorms, and flooding remains debated. However, it is well established that impervious surfaces in urban areas can lead to flooding amplification. Singapore, amidst rapid urbanisation, experiences frequent flooding, exacerbated by its tropical-monsoon climate and climate change. Utilising high-temporal-resolution rainfall data from 2017 onwards, we examined the dynamics of urban flooding in Singapore. In total, 108 flooding events were reported for the period 2017–2023, all of a transient nature, primarily linked to cloudbursts. Based on the unique precipitation characteristics associated with urban flash flooding, the term ‘burst flooding’ is introduced to refer to urban floods caused by intense, short-duration rainfall events. A notable increase in cloudburst occurrences in November and December during La Niña years emphasises the role of global climate phenomena in local weather.