3G phones features Free weather updates

WITH the weather becoming more unpredictable, motorcyclists like Mr Patrick Wan, 34, often find themselves drenched in unexpected downpours.

But from June, you'll be able to get real-time weather information specific to your destination on your mobile phone.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) will launch Weather@SG, Singapore's first mobile weather service, which allows users to get weather forecasts and real-time updates on their web-enabled mobile phones.

Other than the usual three-day and 12-hour forecast available on-line, users will be able to get three-hour Nowcast services. These include the temperature, humidity level, wind speed and direction at specific locations across the island.

A lot of not very useful information for our little island, you think?

Not so for those like Mr Anson Tan, 22, an ex-national sailor who occasionally windsurfs.

He said: "In sailing, we need to predict the windshifts. So (such) detailed weather updates will be very useful as I will be able to plan my course of sailing beforehand and have some sort of mental preparation."

Mr Muhd, too, welcomes the convenience. "It's very handy to be updated through my phone as I'm always out and about. It will definitely help me to plan my day and routes better, so I won't be late for my appointments."

Said Mr Foong Chee Leong, Director-General of the Meteorological Services Division of NEA: "The point was to make things convenient for people wanting to use the service on the go as not everyone has a laptop with them everywhere..."

Echoing the sentiments of Mr Muhd, Mr Wan added: "The weather affects us motorcyclists most, so it's good to have such information.

"Then we can know when to bring along our rain jackets and won't have to stop under shelters any more."

This is very handy to get updates through phones, as it will definitely help any one to plan his routes in a better way.

It is to make things convenient for people who wants to use the service, as most of the people have their laptop with them.