Central Region, Jangma Rain Returns from Today... Nationwide Heatwave Next Week with Seoul Reaching 34°C

On the 11th, the sky over the Han River Bridge in Seoul was filled with rain clouds as the monsoon season in the central region continued for the 49th consecutive day, setting a record for the longest duration. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the monsoon in the central region began on June 24 and has brought rain for 49 days up to this date. As a result, this year is recorded as having the longest monsoon season alongside 2013, which also lasted 49 days. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As the final monsoon rains fall in the central region, there is a need to prepare once again for heavy rain, including landslides and flooding in low-lying areas. After the rain stops, a nationwide heatwave is forecast.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 14th, as of the morning, the monsoon front has moved down to the North Korean region again, and rain has started falling from northern Gyeonggi areas such as Yeoncheon and Cheorwon, as well as northern Yeongseo. The rain will expand during the day to include the Seoul metropolitan area and northern Chungcheong, and by evening will reach the Yeongdong region. Some areas are expected to receive over 300mm of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Heavy rain advisory warnings were issued from the morning for three areas: Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon, and from the afternoon for Seoul, North Chungcheong, and South Chungcheong.

Especially from the evening of the 14th through the daytime of the Liberation Day weekend on the 15th, heavy rain will fall with lightning and gusty winds. Expected rainfall amounts are 100 to over 300mm in the Seoul metropolitan area, Yeongseo, and northern Chungcheong; and about 20 to 80mm in Yeongdong, southern Chungcheong, and northern Gyeongbuk.

Rain will stop in the central region and northern Gyeongbuk by late afternoon on the 15th, but rain will continue until the morning of the 16th in Seoul, northern Gyeonggi, and northern Yeongseo.

In the southern regions, which are out of the monsoon influence, occasional clouds will appear throughout the Liberation Day holiday, but heatwaves and tropical nights are expected.

Heatwave warnings have been issued for Chungcheong and the entire southern region, and with hot and humid weather combined with sunshine, daytime temperatures will soar to 36 degrees Celsius in Daegu and Jeju, and up to 34 degrees in Jeonju.

After Malbok (the last of the three hottest periods), starting Monday the 17th, Seoul is expected to reach 34 degrees Celsius, with a nationwide late heatwave and tropical nights intensifying.