South Korea is bracing for significant rainfall on Monday, August 31st, with the central and southern parts of the country expected to experience the heaviest downpours. The government has elevated its emergency response level due to the intensity of the precipitation, particularly in southern areas where heavy rain advisories have already been issued.
Nationwide Rain and Heavy Precipitation Warnings
According to meteorological forecasts, a stationary front will influence the weather across the nation, leading to widespread rain. While the southern regions and Jeju Island are expected to see the rain subside by Monday night (between 6 PM and midnight), some areas in the central region may experience rain extending into the morning of September 1st.
The southern regions have already been hit by intense rainfall since Sunday afternoon, prompting emergency text messages in several locations. In response to the heavy rain advisories, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety raised the national disaster and safety management headquarters to Level 2 on Sunday afternoon, from the previous ‘attention’ stage to ‘alert’.
Areas Under Heavy Rain Advisories
As of 5 PM on Sunday, heavy rain advisories were in effect for the following areas:
- Jeonnam (Hwasun, Yeonggwang’s Nakwol-myeon)
- Gyeongbuk (Cheongdo)
- Gyeongnam (Northern Geochang)
- Ulsan (Dongbu)
Furthermore, heavy rain warnings were issued for:
- Jeonnam (Gwangyang, Namsouth of Naju, Boseong, Suncheon, Jangheung, Yeongam, Yeonggwang-gun (excluding Nakwol-myeon), Jangseong)
- Gwangju (Seobu, Dongbu)
- Gyeongbuk (Western Gyeongju, Seongju)
- Jeonbuk (Jangsu)
Projected Rainfall Amounts and Intensity
Meteorological authorities anticipate continued heavy rain, primarily in the southern regions, throughout Monday. Some areas in Gwangju, Jeonnam, Busan, Ulsan, and parts of Gyeongnam could experience rainfall exceeding 50mm per hour from early morning into the forenoon. Northern Jeonbuk is also expected to receive intense downpours of over 50mm per hour.
The Chungcheong region is also forecast to receive substantial rainfall. Coastal areas of South Chungcheong may experience torrential downpours of over 80mm per hour early Monday morning. Daejeon, Sejong, inland South Chungcheong, and parts of North Chungcheong could see heavy rain exceeding 50mm per hour from early morning until the forenoon. Southern Gyeonggi and inland/mountainous areas of southern Gangwon are also expected to receive up to 50mm per hour.
Accumulated Rainfall Forecast (August 31 – September 1)
Total expected rainfall from Monday, August 31st, to Tuesday, September 1st, is projected as follows:
- Southern Gyeonggi: 50-100mm (over 150mm in some areas)
- Seoul, Incheon, Northern Gyeonggi: 30-80mm
- Western Coast Islands: 20-60mm
- Gangwon Province: 30-80mm (over 120mm in inland/mountainous southern areas)
- Daejeon, Sejong, South Chungcheong: 80-150mm (over 250mm in coastal South Chungcheong, over 200mm in inland Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong)
- North Chungcheong: 50-150mm (over 200mm in many areas)
- Jeonbuk: 20-80mm (over 120mm in northwestern Jeonbuk)
- Gwangju, Jeonnam: 30-80mm
- Southern and Eastern Jeonbuk: 10-40mm
- Central and Northern Gyeongbuk, Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam: 30-80mm
- Daegu, Southern Gyeongbuk, Ulleungdo, Dokdo: 20-60mm
- Jeju Island: 5-40mm
Government Response and Safety Precautions
The government has urged relevant agencies to strengthen safety inspections, particularly in vulnerable areas such as those prone to landslides, sudden floods, and areas with accumulated debris or embankments. This is due to the potential for additional damage even from moderate rainfall in regions recently affected by heavy rains and wildfires.
Residents are advised to exercise caution due to the possibility of strong winds, thunder, and lightning accompanying the heavy rainfall. Safety incidents and damage to infrastructure are potential risks that need to be managed.
Continued Heatwave Despite Rainfall
Despite the anticipated rainfall, particularly in the southern regions and Jeju Island, a heatwave is expected to persist. The perceived temperature could reach up to 33 degrees Celsius, with tropical nights (where nighttime temperatures remain high) possible in some areas.
The lowest morning temperatures are forecast to range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, while the highest daytime temperatures will be between 24 and 34 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Forecasts for Major Cities:
- Morning Lows: Seoul 23°C, Incheon 23°C, Suwon 22°C, Chuncheon 22°C, Gangneung 22°C, Daejeon 23°C, Cheongju 23°C, Gwangju 26°C, Jeonju 24°C, Busan 26°C, Ulsan 26°C, Daegu 25°C, Jeju 26°C.
- Daytime Highs: Seoul 26°C, Incheon 26°C, Suwon 25°C, Chuncheon 25°C, Gangneung 25°C, Daejeon 27°C, Cheongju 26°C, Gwangju 32°C, Jeonju 30°C, Busan 34°C, Ulsan 34°C, Daegu 32°C, Jeju 31°C.
Air Quality
Air quality is expected to be at a ‘good’ level across the country, thanks to the active atmospheric conditions and the cleansing effect of the rainfall.
