Fickle weather in Singapore this weekend?
Formula 1 has just released the weather report for the weekend in Singapore. Difficult conditions for the drivers, who will have to juggle sweltering heat and the risk of showers throughout the weekend.
Singapore will not usurp its nickname of “garden city” this weekend. This 734 km² Asian island is very famous for its abundance of greenery and its unpredictable climate, both tropical but can also be stormy. An element that will indeed be observable this weekend for the eighteenth round of the Formula 1 season. Already known to be difficult due to its tight turns forcing the drivers to be fully focused, the Singapore circuit is expected to offer us even more spectacle due to very uncertain weather. A beautiful sun can quickly give way to a torrential downpour in just a few minutes, which will certainly put the drivers to the test.
Read also: <a href="/f1/actualite/34771-les-coulisses-transformations-singapour-grand-prix-f1-urbain-nocturne.html" title="Behind the scenes of Singapore's transformation into an urban and nocturnal F1 Grand Prix.
"The backstage of the transformations of Singapore into an urban and nocturnal F1 Grand Prix"
This week, the authorities of the Singapore Grand Prix warned the population about the meteorological risks, with monsoon episodes that started as early as Tuesday and are expected to continue throughout the week. Locals have already reported apocalyptic conditions, with fallen trees and heavy rains, promising a turbulent race weekend. Particularly because the race will take place, as usual, at night, which will add even more difficulty for the drivers who will have to face low visibility and unpredictable weather throughout the weekend.
A potentially dry Friday
If the weather forecasts turn out to be accurate, Friday could be the most clement day. According to the Met Office, the first Free Practice session has a low percentage of rain with temperatures around 30°C. The afternoon will also be cloudy, although some clear spells should brighten up the Singapore sky, with only a 14% chance of rain and a temperature of 33°C, as well as 70% humidity. Teams should take advantage to gather data before a more uncertain Saturday.
An unpredictable Saturday
On Saturday, although temperatures should be similar to those on Friday (31°C during the third Free Practice session, 29°C at the time of Qualifying), thunderstorms are expected, particularly in the afternoon, raising fears of a wet track Qualifying even though the risk of rain is currently low (25% in FP3 and 15% at Qualifying time).
The rain threatens Sunday’s Grand Prix
Threats of showers will continue on Sunday with thunderstorms expected in the morning, accompanied by a temperature of 32°C. However, the risk of rain is expected to decrease throughout the day, currently estimated at 20%, according to figures revealed by Planet F1. Nevertheless, the typical unpredictability of the tropical climate in Singapore could hold some nice surprises, and teams will need to be ready to face changing conditions on the track.
If we add to this the traditional warmth of this island, this leg of the championship is going to be a real challenge and could mark a turning point in the championship, as in 2017. Under completely wet conditions, Lewis Hamilton, who had struggled all weekend, emerged victorious on Sunday and increased the gap in the championship against his rival Sebastian Vettel.
Find here: <a href="/f1/actualite/34764-le-programme-tv-horaires-grand-prix-singapour-2024.html" title="TV schedule and timing of the Singapore Grand Prix 2024"
"The TV schedule and times of the Singapore Grand Prix 2024"
