Keep Your Cool: 7 Hacks to Handle Humidity in Singapore

Feeling sticky and hot even while lounging around at home? Do you break into a sweat after just a few minutes outdoors? You're not alone. Singapore's hot and humid tropical climate is known for its unbearable levels of humidity, which can significantly impact one's health.

According to UPMC Health Beat, humid air can lead to hyperthermia, exhaustion, dehydration, heatstroke, and fatigue, among other issues. Suffice it to say, extreme humidity and heat take a toll on the body, leading to health problems such as allergies, respiratory conditions, and flu-like symptoms.

Fortunately, there are simple solutions that can help alleviate the effects of high humidity, allowing you to stay comfortable and healthy in Singapore’s tropical climate. Say goodbye to sticky discomfort and find relief with the easy and affordable hacks below:

How to Tackle Humidity at Home

In addition to using your air conditioner and turning on your dehumidifier, there are hacks you can do around the house to lower the humidity. Keep in mind the following must-dos:

• An article on Forbes.com, suggests using a ventilation fan, especially when you’re cooking to increase airflow. If you don’t have a ventilation or exhaust fan, you can have it installed in “humidity-prone” parts of your home like the kitchen and bathroom.

• Open your windows! Just because it’s humid and hot outside doesn’t mean you need to keep your windows closed. Let air in and allow it to circulate around your house.

• Bring out your kitchen staples like rock salt and baking soda. Forbes explains that these two ingredients can work as dehumidifiers and eliminate moisture at home. Bowls of baking soda can be placed in small rooms where humidity is high while rock salt works best in bigger areas.

• Remove your carpets for now. If you dress up your home’s flooring with carpets, roll them away for now as these can retain moisture.

• Get a potted plant or two. There are low-maintenance plants that are known to help reduce humidity indoors while improving air quality. Spruce up your space and manage humidity by looking into caring for peace lilies, snake plants, English Ivy, or a pot of bamboo palm.

How to Manage Humidity Outdoors

You can’t postpone going outside for a good number of reasons: going to work, running errands, and doing outdoor activities. Let the reminders below help you avoid getting sick due to heat exhaustion and high humidity:

• Access the Heat Stress Advisory via the myENV app or Singapore’s weather information website.

In July 2023, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) launched the Heat Stress Advisory for the public which aims to minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses. The advisory has three categories: low heat stress, moderate heat stress, and high heat stress. Aside from advising the public on what activities can be done and avoided outdoors, it also gives reminders on staying hydrated as well as what to wear and bring when going outside.

• Stay hydrated! Skip coffee or tea and drink more water.

In an article on Channel News Asia, doctors advised the public to stay hydrated and drink water especially when going outside or doing outdoor activities. They advise against drinking caffeinated drinks as these are “diuretics” and can cause one to urinate more.

• Wear loose, breathable clothing.

Bring out your light-colored and short-sleeved clothes. Pair these with accessories that can protect you from the sun such as hats, caps, and umbrellas.

• Use sunscreen.

Sunscreen not only helps protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, but it can also prevent heat rashes and skin cancer. Choose a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF).

• Take breaks when walking or working outdoors.

Find a shaded area where you can cool off and drink water.

• Bring a portable fan with you.

Handheld fans come in handy to help you cool down as you go about your day.

• Plan your outdoor activities wisely.

Avoid going out when the day is at its hottest. You can also schedule your regular walks in the early morning or in the evening to escape peak humidity.

• Listen to your body.

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, exhaustion, and dehydration, including extreme thirst, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and a rapid pulse. If you experience any of these, rest in a shaded area and hydrate immediately. Should these symptoms persist, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.