Heavy rain expected across South Korea, with thunderstorms and potential for flooding

South Korea is bracing for heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with the Meteorological Administration forecasting intense showers in various parts of the country. Central regions, in particular, could see hourly rainfall rates of 20 to 30 millimeters, accompanied by strong winds and thunder, raising concerns about potential safety hazards like landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

The weather agency advised citizens to exercise extreme caution. While the rain is expected to subside in the Seoul metropolitan area and southern provinces by Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, the overall pattern is influenced by a stationary front. The front's position is subject to fluctuations based on the interaction of the Pacific high-pressure system, dry air from the north, and atmospheric jet streams, necessitating close monitoring of updated forecasts.

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Most of the country will experience rain, but many areas will see periods of respite. Especially in the central region, there will be heavy rain of 20 to 30 millimeters per hour until the morning, accompanied by gusts of wind and thunder. We ask for your special attention to safety accidents such as landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

Following the rain, a humid and hot weather pattern is expected to continue in areas south of the stationary front, driven by warm, moist air from the Pacific high-pressure system. Heat advisories have already been issued for parts of Chungcheong, the southern provinces, and Jeju Island. Daily high temperatures are predicted to range from 29 to 37 degrees Celsius across the nation, with major cities like Seoul reaching 30 degrees, Daegu 35 degrees, and Busan 32 degrees.

Air quality is expected to remain good nationwide, with fine dust levels anticipated to be 'good.'

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The position of the stationary front may change due to factors such as the expansion and contraction of the Pacific high-pressure system, the intensity of dry air from the north, the position of the upper and lower jet streams, and the interaction with surrounding low-pressure systems.