South Korea braces for heavy monsoon rains, heatwaves, and tropical nights

South Korea is entering a period characterized by the full onset of the monsoon season, intense heatwaves, and uncomfortable tropical nights. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall expected across the country on July 8th and 9th, with potential for tropical night advisories in southern areas over the weekend.

The KMA forecasts that a stationary front, currently positioned south of the Korean Peninsula, will move northwards due to the influence of 'north-south oscillation.' This will bring strong and heavy rain, primarily to central and Jeolla regions, from July 8th to 10th. The front is expected to fluctuate, moving north on July 8th, briefly south in the evening, and then north again on July 9th. The clash between cold, dry air from the northwest and warm, humid air from the south is predicted to cause intense downpours in concentrated areas.

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Due to the 'north-south oscillation' of the stationary front, heavy and abundant rain will fall mainly in the central and Jeolla regions from the 8th to the 10th.

Rainfall amounts are expected to be substantial, with accumulations of over 200mm in parts of South Chungcheong and North Jeolla provinces. Other areas, including southern Gyeonggi, central and southern inland Gangwon, and North Chungcheong, could see more than 150mm. A particularly concerning forecast is the potential for "extremely heavy rain" exceeding 50mm per hour between the night of July 8th and the morning of July 9th, prompting the KMA to emphasize the importance of advance preparation during this vulnerable period.

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Extremely heavy rain is expected, reaching up to 50mm per hour, especially from the night of the 8th to the morning of the 9th. As this rain will fall during a vulnerable time, advance preparation is crucial.

Following the heavy rains, the stationary front is expected to move further north, indicating the expansion of the North Pacific High. This signals the beginning of a full-blown summer heatwave across the country. While heatwave advisories are already in effect for some southern inland areas, they are projected to spread nationwide by July 11th. Weekend temperatures in Seoul could reach 33°C, and in Daegu, 34°C, with high perceived temperatures typical of summer under the influence of the Pacific High.

Nighttime temperatures are also expected to remain high, leading to tropical nights in southern regions where minimum temperatures fail to drop below 25°C. The KMA noted the possibility of "tropical night advisories" being issued for the first time this season in southern and some central regions, as well as Jeju Island. These advisories serve as advance warnings for potentially very hot nights, advising residents to prepare accordingly.

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The possibility of tropical night advisories being issued for the first time this week in the southern regions, southern parts of the central region, and Jeju Island is being considered.

Meanwhile, Typhoon No. 9, 'Bavi,' currently located west of Guam, is moving westward along the southern edge of the North Pacific High. It is forecast to make landfall on China's east coast around July 12th after passing north of Taiwan. While not expected to directly impact South Korea, the typhoon's trajectory could influence weather patterns across East Asia, potentially leading to renewed rainfall possibilities next week.

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The rearrangement of atmospheric pressure following the typhoon may lead to an expansion of rainfall again next week.