Eh, this Singapore heat nowadays really no joke, right? Especially if your HDB flat doesn’t have aircon, it can feel like you’re living in a sauna. Many Singaporeans are feeling the burn, literally. So, how are folks coping when the humidity is just relentless and turning off the AC isn’t an option (or you don’t have one)?
SG Heat: What’s Happening?
It’s not just you; many Singaporeans feel the heat is getting more intense. The humidity seems to be off the charts, making even simple tasks at home a sweaty affair. As one Redditor put it, the current weather is “killing my whole family.”
“With the humidity nowadays, it’s killing my whole family. – we don’t own an ac”
Long-time residents also notice a change. Some recall a time when afternoon rain would reliably break the humidity, a pattern that seems less common now. Today, it’s not unusual for temperatures to soar, with one user even reporting their car measuring an outside temperature of 36.5 degrees Celsius! This intense heat affects everything from comfort to daily routines.
“Some older people I work with said it wasn’t this bad 20+ years ago. Every day it would rain in the afternoon and it would break the humidity.”
No AC Woes in SG
Living without air conditioning in Singapore presents some real challenges. Sleep is a major casualty. The nights can be so warm that falling asleep becomes a struggle, leading to messed-up sleep schedules. As one user shared, “Ever feel sleepy yet it’s still too hot to fall asleep? Nowadays it’s damn hot at night and it messes with my sleep schedule.”
“Ever feel sleepy yet it’s still too hot to fall asleep? Nowadays it’s damn hot at night and it messes with my sleep schedule.”
Beyond discomfort, the heat can trigger health issues like skin irritation and eczema flare-ups, especially for those with sensitive skin. For some, the decision not to install AC isn’t even their own, with parents sometimes citing cost concerns. This leaves family members to find other ways to manage, even if it means dealing with persistent skin problems.
“My mum refuses to get AC thinking that it’s v expensive but it’s giving me a lot a lot of skin issues (I have sensitive skin and is mildly allergic to sweat. I’ll itch and get hives every time I sweat) it’s also making my eczema flare up as well :((“
Even those working in non-airconditioned environments, like shops or hawker centres, face an uphill battle daily, describing the heat as “next level hot.”
Beat the Heat: SG Hacks
So, how are resourceful Singaporeans staying cool when the heat is on? It’s all about smart strategies and a bit of that “can-do” spirit. Maximising air circulation is a popular first step. Many swear by opening windows on both sides of their HDB flats to create a refreshing cross-breeze, a simple yet effective tactic.
“Open both sides of windows to ensure proper air circulation”
Fans are, of course, a Singaporean’s best friend in this weather. Some households are armed with multiple units – one Redditor even mentioned having “8 fans at home“! Another popular tip is taking frequent cold showers, especially one right before bed, to lower body temperature and make it easier to drift off to sleep before the heat creeps back in.
“Cold shower, then rush to sleep before it turns to sweat”
For those looking for a more high-tech solution without committing to full AC, dehumidifiers are a game-changer. Running one in a closed bedroom for about 30 minutes to an hour before sleep can significantly reduce humidity, making the air feel noticeably cooler and more comfortable.
“Not sure whether this will be helpful, but you could get a dehumidifer and turn it on for 30mins – 1hr in your bedroom…When you go into the bedroom, you will feel a cooler air as the humidity is much lower than your outside air.”
Beyond these, here are more community-tested strategies:
- Opt for light, breathable clothing. Materials like those in Uniqlo’s Airism range are a common go-to.
- Strategically place your fan for direct cooling. If you tend to stay in one spot, a focused blast of air can be more effective than oscillation. Some even have their trusted brands:
“I usually sit in one fixed spot in my room and blast the fan at my body, no oscillation. Nothing beats KDK fan.”
- Don’t be shy to seek refuge in air-conditioned public spaces. Malls, libraries, or even a friend’s place with AC can offer a much-needed respite from the relentless heat at home.
“Find an excuse to hang out to aircon places whenever possible”
