Heavy Rain and Intense Downpours Expected Across South Korea, Residents Warned to Stay Alert

South Korea is bracing for significant rainfall across most of the country on Saturday, with forecasters warning of intense downpours and potential hazards. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy rain advisory, particularly for the northern mountainous regions of Gangwon Province, where rainfall rates could reach 50 millimeters per hour.

Across the nation, hourly rainfall is expected to range from 20 to 50 millimeters. The heaviest rain is anticipated in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gyeongsang Province, and Jeju Island during the morning and afternoon. In Gangwon Province, rain is expected to be concentrated in the afternoon and evening.

Currently, heavy rain advisories are in effect for the eastern coast of Gangwon, parts of Gangwon's mountains, central inland areas of Chungcheong Province, and northern Gyeongbuk Province. The precipitation is caused by a low-pressure system developing over a stationary front south of the Korean Peninsula.

While the low-pressure system is expected to move eastward over the East Sea by the afternoon, leading to a temporary lull in the rain, central regions and northern/central Gyeongbuk may experience rain until late at night. In the mountainous areas and eastern coast of Gangwon, rain is forecast to continue until Sunday morning due to the interaction of easterly winds with the Taebaek Mountains.

Residents are urged to exercise caution regarding facility management and potential safety accidents. The forecast includes strong winds, thunder, and lightning. Strong wind advisories are already in place for Jeju Island and southern coastal areas, with a possibility of advisories being issued for the eastern coast of Gangwon later on Saturday. The highest daytime temperatures are expected to range between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius.