If you hear thunder or see lightning while outdoors, stop the activity and move into a substantial building or a fully enclosed vehicle. Get out of pools and away from the water. Avoid sheltering under a tree or inside a small open structure. Lightning can strike away from the rain, so act even if the ground where you are is still dry. Meteorological Service Singapore lightning safety guide
MSS advises waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activity. Follow the school, lifeguard or venue’s reopening instructions. A pool or sports field may remain closed while staff assess conditions. MSS lightning precautions · MSS lightning map
- At a field or park → stop and go to proper indoor shelter.
- At a pool or beach → leave the water and move into a substantial building or enclosed vehicle.
- Someone has been struck → call 995 from a safe position and follow the operator’s instructions.
On this page · What Counts as Shelter? · What to Do at a Pool, Field or Park · How to Use the Lightning Map · If Someone Is Struck by Lightning · Frequently Asked Questions
What Counts as Shelter?
Identify a substantial enclosed building before setting out. Think of a school building, a staffed sports complex or a shopping centre you can reach without staying in the open. A tent or a tree may keep rain off briefly but is unsuitable for lightning. An open-sided structure can leave people exposed even when the roof looks substantial. A fully enclosed car can be a shelter if you can reach it safely. MSS guidance on shelter
Choose the destination before practice starts
For a sports group, identify a shelter with enough space for the group and a route that participants can follow. For a family at a park, tell children where they should go with the adult in charge if thunder starts. Leave enough time to move someone who needs help walking or who is using a wheelchair. Keep the group together until the supervising adult can confirm everyone is accounted for.
What to Do at a Pool, Field or Park
At the pool or beach
Follow the lifeguard’s instructions and leave the water promptly. Move to the shelter staff direct you to. Let a parent know the revised meeting point once you are safe. For a family visiting an unsupervised waterfront, identify a substantial building or enclosed vehicle before you settle in. MSS advice on water and lightning
At PE, CCA or a private sports lesson
Listen to the teacher, coach or venue staff. Stop when they suspend the session and use the assigned route. A parent can check the operator’s update for pickup. If staff keep children under supervision indoors, use the collection instructions for that group. Have one adult communicate a change to everyone collecting.
On a park connector or walking route
Turn towards the nearest suitable shelter you can safely reach. A familiar shortcut may also flood during the storm. If a path is blocked, use a route that avoids floodwater. When safe, update the person expecting you and tell them where you are waiting. PUB flood safety tips
How to Use the Lightning Map
The MSS map uses colours to show how recently lightning was detected. Check the legend and your actual location. A screenshot can age quickly or describe an area away from your event. Use the map to plan and monitor the approach of storms. If you hear thunder where you are, take shelter promptly. MSS lightning information and legend
When to resume outdoor activity
Count from the last thunder you hear. If there is another clap, start the wait again. The rain easing does not determine the end of the wait. At a managed venue, go back out only when staff allow it. They may consider conditions along paths, at the field or in the pool area as well. MSS 30-minute guidance
If Someone Is Struck by Lightning
Call 995 and give the exact location. Tell the operator if the person is unresponsive or is not breathing normally. Take account of the continuing risk from the storm and follow the operator’s directions on approaching and helping. If others can safely assist, ask someone to meet responders and someone to locate an AED if directed. SCDF emergency medical services · SCDF first-aid guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lightning occur when it is not raining here?
Yes. MSS explains that lightning can strike away from a thunderstorm. If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek suitable shelter. MSS lightning safety guide
Can we finish one last lap or drill?
Stop the activity and take shelter. A supervising adult can use the time indoors to account for the group and send the next update.
What should a child send if pickup changes?
Give the shelter or venue name and the entrance staff are using. A collector can then confirm whether that entrance is reachable and whether the child is still under staff supervision.
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- MRT Breakdown in Singapore | What to Do on a Stalled Train or at an Affected Station
- Heat Stress in Singapore | How to Read WBGT for PE, CCA and Outdoor Sports
- Haze in Singapore | How to Use PSI and PM2.5 for School and Outdoor Plans
- Flash Flood in Singapore
- School Emergency in Singapore
Official guidance checked 8 November 2026.