On Friday, April 3, thick fine dust blanketed most regions of South Korea, causing hazy air quality throughout the day. Inflow from abroad since the previous day underwent chemical reactions, generating ultrafine particles and pushing concentrations in the capital region, western Gangwon, Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang provinces to ‘bad’ levels. Other areas registered ‘moderate’ readings.
Fine Dust Washed Away by Downpours
The capital region and Sejong-Chungnam areas spiked to ‘very bad’ levels in the morning, while Gyeongsang province hit ‘bad’ marks in the afternoon. Following a nationwide dry spell with persistent drought conditions, clouds thickened from the afternoon, delivering sudden relief through heavy rain.
Intense downpours already transformed Jeju Island’s mountains into cascading waterfalls. Nationwide precipitation continues into Saturday, April 4, with the heaviest falls expected in Jeju and southern regions.
Rainfall Forecasts and Current Totals
Meteorological data projects 30-80mm in Gyeongnam’s south coast and inland areas through Saturday. Jeju’s mountainous zones have seen up to 150mm so far, with central mountains at 120mm.
Additional expected amounts include:
- Gwangju-Jeonnam, Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam inland: 20-60mm
- Gyeonggi south, Chungcheong, Jeonbuk, Daegu-Gyeongbuk: 10-40mm
- Seoul-Incheon-Gyeonggi north, Gangwon north: 5-20mm
Temperatures and Weather Impacts
Inland temperatures range from 17-22°C. Centered on inland areas, readings near 20°C combined with rain create muggy conditions, heightening discomfort and disease risks.
At 5 p.m., temperatures stood at: Seoul 7.3°C, Incheon 7.6°C, Suwon 6.0°C, Chuncheon 6.5°C, Gangneung 13.6°C, Cheongju 6.9°C, Daejeon 6.5°C, Jeonju 5.8°C, Gwangju 9.3°C, Jeju 12.8°C, Daegu 7.8°C, Busan 13.5°C, Ulsan 10.4°C, Changwon 11.1°C.
Rain and temperature drops exceeding 15°C prompt health cautions. Chungnam’s west coast and Jeolla south accumulated nearly 200mm already.
Sea Wave Alerts
Coastal waves measure: East Sea 0.5-2.0m, West Sea 0.5-1.0m, South Sea 0.5-1.5m. Offshore waters within 200km of the coast forecast: East Sea 0.5-2.0m, West Sea 0.5-3.0m, South Sea 0.5-2.5m.
