Central South Korea braces for 'needle-like downpours' exceeding 300mm this weekend

Central South Korea, including the Seoul metropolitan area, is bracing for intense rainfall this weekend, with forecasts predicting "needle-like downpours" that could dump over 300 millimeters in some regions. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued a warning on July 17, highlighting the potential for heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning.

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We must be careful to avoid flood damage. Intense rainfall of 50 to 80 millimeters per hour may occur in some areas.

Authorities are urging extreme caution due to the risk of flash floods and landslides, particularly as the weekend coincides with the July 17th Liberation Day holiday, a period when more people are expected to be outdoors. Rainfall intensity is projected to reach 50 to 80 millimeters per hour during critical periods, such as early Saturday morning. Expected rainfall totals range from 100 to 200 millimeters for the Seoul and Gangwon regions, with some inland areas possibly exceeding 300 millimeters. Other regions like Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang provinces are also expected to receive significant amounts of rain.

The KMA emphasized the danger posed by the saturated ground from the ongoing monsoon season. The heavy rainfall could lead to soil erosion, landslides, falling rocks, and collapses of retaining walls. Additionally, rapid rises in river and stream levels are anticipated, prompting advisories against approaching these areas.

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As the ground is weakened by heavy monsoon rains, soil erosion, landslides, falling rocks, and collapses of retaining walls may occur. Also, river levels may rise rapidly due to heavy rain in a short period, so please refrain from approaching.

The current heavy rainfall is primarily caused by a mesoscale low-pressure system rapidly forming and dissipating along a stationary front. This system is drawing in warm, moist air from the south, intensifying the downpours. While the heaviest rain is expected in the central regions this weekend, the stationary front is forecast to move southwards, potentially shifting the focus of intense rainfall to southern areas next week. The monsoon season is expected to continue through at least July 25.

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Rain is expected nationwide due to the influence of the stationary front until next Saturday, July 25, and there is a possibility of precipitation even after that.