Showers and Heatwave Continue... Even Stronger Heatwave Coming from the 20th

Up to 60mm Rainfall in Eastern Gyeonggi, Inland Areas of Gangwon, Chungcheong, and Gyeongsang
Strong Showers Over 30mm per Hour and Gusty Winds in Some Areas
Nationwide Heatwave Warning in Effect...Feels Like Over 35°C Today

On the 4th, when the number of new COVID-19 cases is expected to be around 700, citizens visiting the temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza are lining up to get tested. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] On Wednesday the 14th, the sky will be mostly cloudy nationwide, with showers mainly in inland areas. The daytime high temperature will rise to 35 degrees Celsius, so health precautions are necessary.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasted that from 10 a.m. on this day, showers of 5 to 60mm will fall in eastern Gyeonggi, inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, inland Chungcheong, and inland Gyeongsang regions. From tonight until dawn on the 15th, 5 to 30mm of rain will fall on the five islands in the West Sea. Locally, there may be strong showers exceeding 30mm per hour and gusts of wind with maximum instantaneous speeds around 15 meters per second.

Tomorrow, very heavy showers are expected mainly in inland areas nationwide. As atmospheric instability intensifies and the pressure system stagnates, the movement speed of shower clouds will slow down, resulting in very heavy showers exceeding 50mm per hour mainly in the eastern inland during the day, with total precipitation exceeding 100mm in some areas.

The KMA stated, "Strong showers will appear in narrow areas, causing significant regional differences in rainfall amounts. Since the ground is very weakened due to recent heavy rain, there is concern about major damage from strong showers, so camping should be avoided and preparations should be made for collapses of construction sites, retaining walls, embankments, and landslides."

With a heatwave advisory in effect, the daytime high temperature on the 14th will reach up to 35 degrees Celsius. Due to high humidity, the perceived temperature will rise above 35 degrees Celsius in inland areas, making it very hot. The daytime highs are expected to be 35 degrees in Daegu; 34 degrees in Daejeon, Chuncheon, Cheongju, and Andong; 33 degrees in Seoul, Suwon, Jeonju, Pohang, and Jeju; and 32 degrees in Gwangju, Changwon, and Gangneung. Tropical nights may occur in some areas, so health management is advised.

The KMA expects the rainy season to end around the 19th this year, with a full-scale heatwave continuing from the 20th. Typically, the end of the rainy season is determined by the point when the North Pacific High occupies Korea.

From the 20th, the North Pacific High and Tibetan High will be positioned in the upper atmosphere over Korea, marking the start of a strong heatwave. The number of areas with daytime highs approaching 33 degrees will increase, and tropical nights are expected to become more frequent, especially in Seoul.

A KMA official explained, "Signs of the end of the rainy season appear as we move from mid to late July. Although heavy rain is still possible, its intensity and frequency will weaken compared to now. A stronger heatwave than the current one will arrive, so preparations for power supply and heat-related illnesses are necessary."