South Korea's monsoon to end this weekend, heatwave and tropical nights to follow

South Korea is preparing for the end of its monsoon season, with the rainy period expected to conclude this weekend after lingering over the central region. Jeju Island officially marked the end of the monsoon on July 19. As the rains subside, the nation braces for the onset of intense heatwaves and tropical nights.

The current monsoon, which began unusually late on July 1, has been characterized by a narrow, horizontally elongated stationary front that has moved back and forth, bringing intermittent rain. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) noted that the front's movement has caused localized variations in rainfall intensity. Areas south of Chungcheong Province have experienced heatwaves and tropical nights accompanied by occasional showers, influenced more by warm, humid air than the stationary front.

This pattern is projected to continue until July 27. While the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province will see fluctuating rainfall on July 24-25, the central-southern regions will experience showers. On July 26, the stationary front is expected to shift south slightly, bringing heavy rain to the central, North Chungcheong, and North Gyeongsang regions. The Seoul and Gangwon areas may continue to see rain until July 27, after which the monsoon is expected to officially end.

However, KMA forecaster Lee Gwang-yeon cautioned that the end of the monsoon does not signify an end to heavy rainfall. "The end of the monsoon season is not the end of concentrated downpours," he stated. High humidity combined with rising temperatures can create atmospheric instability, leading to localized, intense precipitation. The phenomenon of "extreme downpours" after the monsoon has occurred almost annually, with significant rainfall recorded in previous years.

With the monsoon's conclusion, South Korea will fall under the influence of the North Pacific High. This shift is expected to expand the current heatwave and tropical nights from the southern regions nationwide next week. Morning temperatures are forecast between 22-26 degrees Celsius, and daytime highs between 29-36 degrees Celsius from July 27 to August 1. The KMA urged thorough preparation to prevent damage from the anticipated extreme heat.

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The end of the monsoon season is not the end of concentrated downpours.