Monsoon Season Brings its own Challenges

The monsoon season is in full swing, lowering the temperature to 25 – 28 degrees Celsius, from the usual 30 degrees. Local landmarks glister in the downpour, expertly lit up for the night. It is very atmospheric, especially in the evenings, as the curtain of droplets (some are big!) falls down, turning the dusky sky into velvety- steel colour. Pedestrians are forced to shelter under umbrellas or to find cover, which is easy in this city because it is densely populated with skyscrapers. We have watched on many occasions a flood of water sliding down glass rooftops, cocooned in the safety of an exhibition hall, a restaurant, or a shopping mall. 

 I am wearing a Michael Kores dress, and a handbag by the same designer, while watching my beloved Merlion being hosed down by the monsoon

It is not, however, all rosy, as we are reminded on a regular basis about a very real danger of dengue fever (there are a few fatalities every year), especially as there is no vaccination against it and we`ve had quite a lot of rain so far. There is a map on the internet where the government updates the recent cases of outbreak, and the local papers carry the warnings.

Engrossed in the Sunday Times in Rochester Park Starbuck`s; I am wearing a dress by James Lakeland

Prevention is the only way to safeguard yourself against it, so am extremely grateful to the cleaning lady who comes to my apartment twice a week, and I am ensuring there is no stagnant water near me. We also have a city-wide poster campaign, advising on prevention, for example one has to change water every other day in vases used for cut flowers, and check sinks regularly. The outbreaks of dengue fever are associated mainly with construction sites, but it is quite unnerving to hear that recently there were cases of Aedes mosquito bites in the famous Orchard Road and its surrounding area – the prime shopping artery of the city, making it into shopaholic`s nightmare! Thankfully, the authorities are quick in dealing with the outbreaks and hopefully escapades for shoes and other glam-inducing apparel would become enjoyable soon.

The other unpleasant side-effect of monsoon is the fact that if you are caught up in it, you can get soaked quickly. And as soon as you jump on an air-conditioned train, or step into air-conditioned office space, or a shopping arcade, you catch a chill, which can lead to more than just a case of a runny nose for a few days – I am just recovering from such an experience and – believe me – it’s no fun! 

Still, the respite to a constant heat and humidity is welcomed here, and like everything else in life, there are two aspects (good and bad) to every monsoon story being lived through on this island.