Heavy Rain Expected Across South Korea During Holiday Weekend

South Korea is bracing for a prolonged period of heavy rainfall, with forecasters warning of significant downpours expected throughout the upcoming holiday weekend and into the following week. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced that two low-pressure systems are approaching the Korean Peninsula, bringing the possibility of intense and widespread rain.

The first system is predicted to bring rain to the southern regions on July 16-17, activating the stationary front. The KMA forecasts 30-80mm of rain in the southern provinces, with some areas potentially exceeding 100mm, and 20-60mm in the Chungcheong region.

However, the greater concern lies with the second system, expected to influence the country over the weekend of July 18-19. This system is anticipated to intensify the rain clouds, extending their reach to central regions. Meteorologists highlighted that warmer and more humid air being drawn northward increases the likelihood of severe atmospheric instability and concentrated heavy rainfall, potentially leading to "water bomb"-like downpours in localized areas.

“

The monsoon is not over yet. While the next week is typically when the monsoon ends, based on various information, there are no signs of it ending yet.

Adding to the concern, sea temperatures in the western waters have risen above 25 degrees Celsius, providing more energy for storm development. The KMA warned of potential heavy rain advisories and disaster alerts. With ground already saturated from previous rains, particularly in western regions like the Seoul metropolitan area, residents are strongly advised to be vigilant about safety, including the risks of landslides, soil erosion, flash floods, and rising river levels.

The KMA stated that while current forecasts suggest significant rainfall on July 18, the exact amount and impact could vary depending on the development of the low-pressure system. More detailed forecasts will be provided on July 17. The agency also noted that the monsoon season, which typically ends around this time, shows no signs of concluding soon, with further rain expected on July 20-21 and July 23-24. Despite the rain, high humidity is expected to cause heatwaves with perceived temperatures reaching 33-35 degrees Celsius in areas not experiencing rain or immediately after it stops.

“

Atmospheric instability is very high, and there is a possibility of strong rain concentrating.