Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Heavy rains expected to soak Korea this week
People walk through heavy rain on Jeju Island, July 18. Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
Days of scorching heat have given way to heavy downpours, with torrential rain forecast across most of the country throughout this week, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Sunday.
The weather agency reported that rainfall, which began Sunday evening across much of the country, is expected to deliver between 80 and 150 millimeters of precipitation in Gwangju, Busan, Ulsan, South Jeolla Province and South Gyeongsang Province through Tuesday.
During the same period, the cities of Seoul, Daejeon and Sejong, along with Gyeonggi Province, South Chungcheong Province and North Jeolla Province, are forecast to receive between 50 and 100 millimeters of rainfall.
Some parts of Gyeonggi Province and South Chungcheong Province could see up to 150 millimeters of rain, while more than 250 millimeters are expected along the southern coast and Jeju Island.
The rainfall may let up by Tuesday morning, the KMA said, but heavy showers are expected to return on Wednesday, continuing through Thursday in southern regions.
The weather agency urged residents near rivers and streams to stay alert, warning that sudden downpours could cause water levels to rise rapidly. Authorities also warned of potential sewage backflows, and heightened risk for landslides and falling rocks in mountainous areas.
This week's rainfall comes as parts of the country are still recovering from last month’s historic flooding that left 27 people dead and forced thousands to evacuate.
Despite the rain, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms, the record-breaking heat is likely to persist, according to the KMA.
Tuesday's temperatures are expected to range from lows of 24-27 degrees Celsius to highs of 29-35 degrees. Tropical nights, when temperatures remain above 25 degrees between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m., are forecast to continue in many regions throughout the week.
The KMA has reiterated warnings about heat-related illnesses, advising individuals to limit outdoor activities during daytime and ensure outdoor workers have access to shaded rest areas.
This year's summer heat is shaping up to be one of the most intense on record.
Seoul recorded 23 tropical nights in July — the highest number for that month since modern weather records began 117 years ago, according to the agency. With early August typically marking the peak of summer, observers predict that the ongoing heat may break additional records.