'Extreme' Weather... Up to 100mm Rain per Hour Expected in Central Region vs Muggy Conditions in Southern Region

Heavy rain centered in the central region has caused the Dongbu Expressway near Wolgye 1-gyo in Seoul to be completely closed due to the rising water level of the Jungnangcheon Stream. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Sunghye] On the 3rd, while the central region experienced heavy and continuous rain, the southern region, where the monsoon season has ended, showed a 'polar opposite' weather of very hot and humid conditions.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), as of 5:10 PM on this day, heavy rain warnings were issued for Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, Chungcheong Province, and northern Gyeongbuk, with some areas in Chungcheong Province experiencing strong rain of around 30mm per hour.

From 6 PM on the 1st to 5 PM on this day, major rainfall amounts were recorded as follows: 378.5mm in Iljuk-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi; 323.0mm in Daesin-myeon, Yeoju-si; 312.0mm in Sinseo-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun; 311.5mm in Moga-myeon, Icheon-si; 111.8mm in Seoul (200.5mm in Dobong); 287.5mm in Yangji-ri, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon; 272.5mm in Nami Island (Chuncheon), Chuncheon; 248.7mm in Yeongwol; 314.0mm in Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungbuk; 310.5mm in Baegun-myeon, Jecheon-si; and 167.5mm in Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongbuk.

The KMA stated that in the evening, very heavy rain of 50 to 100mm per hour accompanied by gusts, thunder, and lightning will occur mainly in southern Gyeonggi and Chungcheong, affecting the central region, while showers are expected in the southern inland and southern coast.

In Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Yeongseo in Gangwon, very heavy rain of 50 to 100mm per hour (over 120mm in some areas) will fall from early dawn to daytime on the 4th, weakening somewhat in the afternoon but intensifying again from night.

Also, the heavy rain currently falling strongly in Chungcheong and northern Gyeongbuk will continue until nightfall on the 3rd, then weaken somewhat, but will strengthen again from daytime on the 4th, with fluctuations in rainfall intensity.

The KMA urged thorough preparation to prevent damage caused by traffic accidents, collapse of retaining walls or cut slopes, soil runoff, landslides, flooding of farmland, underpasses, low-lying areas, and overflow of rivers or reservoirs, and strongly advised refraining from outdoor activities such as going out or entering dangerous areas to avoid casualties.

Unlike the central region under heavy rain warnings, heatwave warnings are in effect for the eastern coast of Gangwon, the southern region, and Jeju. The monsoon season ended in the southern region and Jeju at the end of last month.

In particular, heatwave warnings have been issued for Gumi, Gyeongsan, Gunwi, Gimcheon, Pohang, and Gyeongju in Gyeongbuk, as well as Daegu. A heatwave warning is issued when the highest perceived temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days or when significant damage is expected due to heat. The KMA forecasted that areas under heatwave warnings will experience daytime temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius until the 5th, making it very hot.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.