AMBIENT ENVIRONMENT
19 Mar 2023
In the tropics, especially Singapore where sunlight averages at more than 12 hours a day with consistently high humidity – information on heat stress* can be vital. Both for the comfort as well as health of the public. More so for those who are often outdoors due to their occupations or other activities.
National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore commissioned a network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) specifically designed for WBGT index monitoring. This new network was set up by Asia Pacific Air Quality (APAQ) Group together with our partner Willowglen Services Pte Ltd.
So what is WBGT?
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index is a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which is influenced by air temperature, relative humidity, ventilation/air flow and solar radiation. It is the accepted international standard under ISO7243 for the assessment and control of hot environments and is widely applied in many contexts including military, industrial, sporting and commercial applications.
This first WBGT monitoring network has been set up across Singapore in Sports Hub and various stadiums. This will help better planning of: military activities, sports training and other intense outdoor activities.
This information will also contribute to reducing the chances of heat strokes due to unplanned vigorous physical exertion under the sun. Occupational Health and Safety regulators can also turn to WBGT to plan outdoor activities for their organisations. For those
who work or exercise in direct sunlight, this information can be crucial.
The environmental sensors used are certified by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and designed in conformance to ISO7243, therefore the measurements are standardized and of the highest accuracy.
*Heat stress occurs when the body's means of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail. This can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.