Rain Expected Across South Korea Over Holiday Weekend to Ease Drought

South Korea is anticipating significant rainfall across most of the country during the Liberation Day holiday weekend, offering a much-needed respite from a persistent and severe drought, particularly in the southern regions. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that rain, which began in Jeju on August 15, will spread to the southern mainland in the afternoon and reach central regions as showers in the evening. The precipitation is expected to continue nationwide until the night of August 17, with a brief lull possible in central areas on the 17th.

The rainfall is primarily caused by the influence of Typhoon Dolphin, which has weakened into a subtropical high-pressure system. This system is drawing warm, moist air from the south, leading to the expected downpours. The forecast indicates considerable regional variation in precipitation amounts. The southern coast and Jirisan National Park area could see as much as 150mm of rain over August 15-16, while other southern areas like Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam anticipate 50-100mm. Jeollanam-do and Gwangju could receive 30-80mm, with higher amounts in coastal areas and Jirisan.

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The low-pressure system near Shanghai is approaching our country, drawing high-temperature and humid air from the south, causing rain in the southern regions.

This rainfall is crucial for alleviating the drought, which has been particularly harsh in the southern provinces. For the month leading up to August 11, the southern region received only 58.5mm of rain, about a quarter of the average. Areas like Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam recorded just 16.6mm, and Jeju saw only 5.1mm, both historic lows. Reservoir levels in Gyeongnam Province are at an average of 32.3%, less than half the usual 70.8%, prompting the government to establish a task force for drought response.

The rain is also expected to temporarily ease the intense heatwave gripping the nation. Temperatures are predicted to drop slightly, with morning lows between 20-25 degrees Celsius and daytime highs ranging from 24-34 degrees Celsius. Some areas may see daytime temperatures fall to 24-30 degrees Celsius starting August 16, offering a break from the oppressive heat. However, forecasters warn that the heat may return after the rain passes, with temperatures potentially reaching 33 degrees Celsius again.

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The amount of rainfall in the southern region for the past month was only 58.5mm, which is about a quarter of the average (241.9mm).