South Korea braces for heavy monsoon rains, potential 'heavy rain warnings' from Sunday

South Korea has officially entered its monsoon season, and the country can expect frequent rainfall in the coming days. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasts that heavy downpours, potentially warranting "heavy rain warnings," will occur nationwide from Sunday through Tuesday.

The monsoon front moved south on July 1, marking the start of the season in the southern regions, and reached central areas by July 2. While the front's position will fluctuate, leading to varying precipitation patterns, the KMA anticipates significant rainfall over the next five days. From July 2 to 3, the front is expected to temporarily recede southward, but instability caused by daytime heating will likely trigger scattered showers in inland areas, with amounts ranging from 5 to 60 millimeters. Some areas may experience intense downpours of 20 to 30 millimeters per hour, accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning.

On Saturday, July 4, the monsoon front will move north again, bringing rain to Jeju Island, the southern provinces, and southern Chungcheong regions. Rainfall is expected to range from 30 to 80 millimeters in Jeju Island and coastal areas of South Jeolla, with over 120 millimeters in mountainous Jeju. Other coastal areas may receive 20 to 60 millimeters.

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Rain at the level of a heavy rain warning may occur, so you should check the latest forecast.

From Sunday, July 5, to Tuesday, July 7, warm and humid air from the south will influence the entire country, leading to widespread heavy rain. Kang Hye-mi, a KMA forecaster, urged the public to "check the latest forecast as rain at the level of a heavy rain warning may occur." The forecast also indicates that the weather will remain cloudy with frequent rain next week due to the approaching monsoon front and a low-pressure system. Typhoon "Koinu," which formed east of Guam and is moving westward, could also influence the weather patterns in the Korean peninsula.

The KMA also warned of high humidity levels during the day, with the highest temperatures expected to reach around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), and the "feels like" temperature potentially hitting 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) due to humidity. They advised caution regarding heat-related illnesses. Regarding the possibility of intense downpours due to the late start of the monsoon season, the KMA stated that it is "not something that can be predicted at this time."

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It is not something that can be predicted at this time.