April 4 was hottest day of 2023 in Singapore, with temperatures reaching 35.9°C in Paya Lebar.

The Straits Times (ST) reported that the maximum temperature was recorded at 2.54pm.

35.9°C is not the hottest that Singapore ever experienced though.

On Apr. 17, 1983, the daily maximum temperature reached 37°C in Tengah.

ST quoted a spokesman from the National Environment Agency (NEA) who said it is not uncommon for the maximum temperature to exceed 35°C as we are now in the inter-monsoon period, which typically runs from April to May.

During the inter-monsoon period, Singapore typically experiences hot afternoons.

Thunderstorms typically occur in the afternoons and early evening, and they can be heavy at times.

According to NEA, the inter-monsoon period also brings higher occurrences of lightning activity compared to the rest of the year.

For this year, the inter-monsoon period is forecast to persist through May 2023.

Top images via Canva.