Heavy Rain Expected in Seoul Metropolitan Area, Risk of Flooding and Tropical Nights Persists | South Korea Weather Update | Hankyoreh News

South Korea is bracing for heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting widespread downpours accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning. The central and Jeonbuk regions are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, prompting warnings for potential flooding, overflowing rivers, and landslides.

The rain is set to begin in the Seoul metropolitan area, northern Chungcheong, and parts of Jeju Island in the morning before spreading nationwide. The KMA anticipates significant rainfall amounts, with the Seoul metropolitan area and surrounding regions potentially receiving over 150 mm. The central regions, including Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong, could see upwards of 200 mm, with similar amounts forecast for the Jeolla region.

Intense rainfall is expected to peak at specific times. In the Seoul metropolitan area, downpours of 20-30 mm per hour are predicted between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. The central regions will experience heavier rain from the afternoon, with hourly rates reaching 20-30 mm and escalating to 30-50 mm overnight into Thursday morning. Similar intense rainfall is forecast for Jeonbuk province and parts of Gangwon province later in the day.

The KMA has urged vigilance, warning that rapid water level rises in valleys and rivers, as well as flooding in low-lying areas and underpasses, are possible. Increased water levels are also anticipated in rivers near the border with North Korea, including the Imjin, Hantan, and North Han rivers. Despite the inclement weather, daytime high temperatures are expected to range from 26 to 33 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average, with the possibility of tropical nights in some areas.