Lightning and the shore

On an open shore at low tide you're often the tallest thing for hundreds of metres, standing in water. Singapore has a lot of lightning, so this is the one note I'd want everyone to read.

Before you go

Check the forecast and lightning information from the Meteorological Service Singapore. The NEA myENV app can alert you when lightning is detected near where you are. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons, especially in the inter-monsoon months.

On the shore

A simple rule of thumb is 30-30: if the gap between a flash and its thunder is 30 seconds or less, the storm is close enough to be dangerous, so get off the flats and into a proper building. Then wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out. An open shelter or a tree is not a safe place.

If an organised walk is called off for weather, that's why. No low tide is worth it.