Korea Meteorological Administration's Short-Term Forecasts to Be More Detailed, Changing from 3-Hour to 1-Hour Intervals

Precipitation Under 30mm Represented by Amount Instead of Range in Table

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) is changing its short-term weather forecasts from 3-hour intervals to 1-hour intervals. The precipitation forecast, which was previously provided in 6-hour intervals, will also be changed to a quantitative format showing how much rain falls per hour.

On the 22nd, the KMA announced that starting from the 27th, forecasts for up to three days ahead will be provided in detailed 1-hour increments. Previously, forecasts were provided eight times a day at 3-hour intervals, but now they will be available hourly.

The precipitation unit will also be provided as a quantitative value based on 1-hour intervals. Previously, precipitation was reported in 3-hour segments, but from the 27th, it will be possible to check exactly when the rain starts and how much falls each hour. This will make it easier to decide whether to carry an umbrella during school commute or work commute times, and cumulative precipitation information can be used for outdoor work or activities. It is also expected to facilitate predictions when deciding on flood control or dam discharge.

The precipitation forecast will also be provided hourly instead of every 6 hours. When very heavy rain of 30mm or more per hour is expected, it is important to communicate the risk level, so the forecast will be categorized as '30mm or more but less than 50mm' and '50mm or more.' For rainfall less than 30mm, the amount will be shown quantitatively.

The KMA has revamped its forecast production system, strengthened forecaster capabilities, and developed and operated a Korean numerical weather prediction model to provide more detailed forecasts.

Park Kwang-seok, head of the KMA, said, "We will continue to improve forecast services to increase the public’s use of weather forecasts and effectively respond to hazardous weather."

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