This Year's Monsoon Starts July 2... "Rainfall Area and Timing Variable"

Jeolla and Southern Regions Expected Rainfall on 4-5th, Chungcheong Province from 7-8th
"Low Pressure Influences Variable Rainfall Areas... Heavy Precipitation Expected Initially"

On the 28th, with sporadic heavy rain falling, office workers near Yeouido Station in Seoul are using umbrellas as they head to work. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] This year's monsoon season is expected to begin in Jeju from July 2.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) explained in an online briefing on the 28th, "The strength of the cold air that had been holding on has weakened, and the North Pacific High is strengthening, causing the stationary front to gradually move northward."

A narrow north-south and long east-west stationary front is expected to affect the Jeju area around July 2, marking the gradual start of the monsoon season in South Korea.

As the stationary front moves north, the monsoon is expected to begin in inland areas from July 4 onward. It is analyzed that Jeolla Province and the southern regions will likely start on the 4th to 5th, and Chungcheong Province on the 7th to 8th.

The latest monsoon season on record started on July 5, 1982. This means the monsoon is beginning late for the first time in 39 years. The monsoon, which usually starts in late June, is delayed by more than two weeks compared to the average year.

This year’s monsoon involves a low-pressure system, so the precipitation area and timing are highly variable, according to the KMA. Rain may fall in areas not forecasted or be excluded from forecasted regions.

A KMA official explained, "Jeju will enter the monsoon season around July 2 and gradually expand nationwide, but the start date of the monsoon in southern regions excluding Jeju and other inland areas is highly variable."

There is a high possibility of heavy rain from the early monsoon period, so the KMA urged preparations against heavy rain.

The KMA stated, "After July 2, the stationary front and low-pressure system will combine, potentially forming strong rain clouds," and added, "Although the influence of cold and dry air will weaken, it may remain during the monsoon period, so preparations should be made for sudden heavy rain or downpours."

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