Heavy rain expected nationwide in South Korea over holiday weekend

South Korea is preparing for a significant spell of rain during the Liberation Day holiday weekend, with the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting widespread precipitation from August 15th to 17th.

The southern regions and Jeju Island are anticipated to bear the brunt of the downpour, with warnings of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning. Some areas, particularly along the southern coast of Jeonnam and parts of Gyeongnam, could experience intense rainfall of 30-50mm per hour, potentially exceeding 50mm in localized spots. The KMA has indicated a possibility of issuing heavy rain advisories for these areas.

While the central regions are expected to see a lull in the rain by Sunday afternoon, the southern parts of the country will continue to experience strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 55 kph. Coastal areas are also advised to be cautious of potential flooding and backflow due to high tides, exacerbated by the moon's gravitational pull.

Temperatures are expected to be relatively mild, with morning lows ranging from 21-24 degrees Celsius and daytime highs between 24-30 degrees Celsius, a slight dip from the usual for this time of year. Despite the cooler temperatures, the combination of heavy rain and strong winds necessitates caution for both land and sea travel.