Heavy rain expected nationwide in South Korea after holiday break

South Korea is bracing for a return of significant rainfall as a warm, moist low-pressure system approaches from the southwest. Following a period of clear holiday weather, heavy rain is expected to sweep across the nation starting Tuesday, May 26.

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We expect heavy rain across the country from the 25th to the 27th as a warm and humid low-pressure system carrying water vapor approaches our country from the southwest.

The precipitation will begin in Jeju Island early Tuesday, gradually spreading to the southern coast and Jeolla provinces. By Wednesday morning, the rain is forecast to cover the entire country. The low-pressure system is expected to move eastward, with rain tapering off from the west by Wednesday morning. However, the eastern coastal regions may experience rain until Wednesday afternoon due to easterly winds.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) anticipates rainfall exceeding 100 mm across the country, with particularly intense downpours in the southern regions and Jeju Island, potentially reaching levels that would warrant heavy rain advisories. Lee Gwang-yeon, a KMA forecaster, highlighted the risk of "dangerous weather phenomena" in Jeju and the southern coast due to strong low-level jet streams.

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The possibility of dangerous weather phenomena is high, especially in Jeju Island and the southern coast, which are influenced by the lower-level jet.

Gusts of wind reaching approximately 15 meters per second are expected nationwide, with Jeju Island and the southern coast facing potential strong wind and high wave advisories. The KMA also cautioned that mountainous areas in the central regions could receive substantial rainfall due to the influence of cold air from the north. While the forecast predicts up to 300 mm of rain in Jeju's highlands and over 200 mm along the southern coast, forecasters noted potential variability in the storm's intensity and location due to developing convective clouds over China.

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Even in the central regions, which are influenced by cold air from the north, heavy rain may fall, especially in mountainous areas, so preparation is needed.