Heavy Rain Continues for Four Days... Up to 250mm More Expected in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam by July 19

30 to 80mm of Rainfall per Hour in Most Regions Nationwide
Heavy Rain Warnings Issued for Daegu, Gumi, Goryeong, Chilgok
Up to 60mm of Rainfall per Hour in Western Jeolla and Western Gyeongsang

The heavy rain that began on July 16 has continued for four consecutive days. Up to 250mm of additional rainfall is expected by July 19.

On the 17th, heavy rain fell mainly in the metropolitan and central regions, and citizens passing through the Gwanghwamun intersection in Seoul hurried their steps, armed with umbrellas and rain boots. 2025.07.17 Photo by Yoon Dongju

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, very heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, with hourly precipitation of 30 to 80mm, is expected in most regions nationwide through today. Rain will continue in Jeju and the southern regions until tonight, and in the metropolitan area, inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, and northern Chungnam until the morning of July 20.

The expected precipitation amounts are as follows: Gwangju, Jeonnam, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam 50 to 150mm (up to more than 250mm in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, and more than 200mm in Gwangju and Jeonnam); Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk 50 to 100mm (up to more than 150mm); the metropolitan area, inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, Chungbuk, Ulleungdo, and Dokdo 30 to 80mm (up to more than 120mm in the metropolitan area and Chungbuk, and more than 100mm in southern inland Gangwon); Jeju 10 to 60mm (up to more than 100mm in mountainous areas); the five West Sea islands 5 to 40mm; and the east coast of Gangwon 5 to 10mm.

Heavy rain warnings have been strengthened, especially in the western parts of Jeolla and Gyeongsang. As a band of strong rain clouds moves in and slowly drifts northeast, heavy rain warnings are being upgraded in some areas. As of 9 a.m. today, the Korea Meteorological Administration upgraded the warning level to a heavy rain warning for Gumi, Goryeong, and Chilgok in North Gyeongsang Province, as well as for Daegu. Heavy rain warnings were also issued for Seongju in North Gyeongsang, Hamyang and Geochang in South Gyeongsang, and Namwon, Gochang, and Buan in North Jeolla. The expected precipitation in these areas by July 19 is 50 to 100mm (with some areas receiving more than 150mm). In Hamyang and Geochang in South Gyeongsang, rainfall could exceed 250mm.

Looking at major rainfall points between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. today: Seongsamjae in Gurye, Jeonnam recorded 67.5mm; Daebyeong in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam 67.5mm; Sancheong in Gyeongnam 66.8mm; Yeonggwang-gun in Jeonnam 63.2mm; and Baemsagol in Namwon, Jeonbuk 58.5mm.

Most regions will continue to experience heavy rain through the afternoon. Very strong and heavy rain will fall in localized areas, resulting in significant differences in rainfall intensity and amounts by region. Some areas may experience intermittent lulls as the intensity fluctuates. Because the ground is already saturated and additional heavy rain is expected, the risk of damage is high, so thorough preparation is necessary.

Heavy rain fell overnight in several areas. For example, Yeongheungdo in Ongjin-gun, Incheon received 98.5mm of rain in just one hour from 12:50 a.m. to 1:50 a.m. In Boseong, Jeonnam, 88.0mm of rain fell between 1:44 a.m. and 2:44 a.m.

Some regions have received more than 40% of their annual average rainfall in just the past four days. For example, in Seosan, Chungnam, the accumulated rainfall from July 16 to 8 a.m. today reached 558.6mm, which is 45% of the average annual rainfall (1,253.9mm, based on the 1991?2020 average). In Gwangju, the accumulated rainfall since July 16 (476.0mm) has exceeded one-third of the average annual rainfall (1,380.6mm).

Once the rain stops, the heat will return. Starting today, with high humidity and temperatures at or slightly above average, most regions will experience daytime apparent temperatures reaching around 33 degrees Celsius. As the North Pacific high-pressure system expands, the maximum daytime temperatures are expected to range from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius.