Sudden Hail and Lightning Strike Gwangju and South Jeolla as Atmospheric Instability Intensifies

1.2 cm Diameter Hailstones Observed in Gwangju

On the afternoon of the 6th, hail with a diameter of 1.2 cm was observed at the official weather observation point in Gwangju. The photo shows a hail-accompanied shower falling on Sangmu Jungang-ro in Seo-gu, Gwangju, around 2:10 p.m. on the same day. Photo by Yonhap News

As temperatures dropped sharply and atmospheric instability increased, rain accompanied by lightning and hail fell over Gwangju and parts of South Jeolla Province.

According to the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration on April 6, hailstones with a diameter of approximately 1.2 cm were observed at the official weather observation point in Gwangju for about five minutes starting at 2:06 p.m. While official manned weather stations confirmed hail only in Gwangju within South Jeolla Province, citizens reported hail in some inland areas such as Naju and Damyang as well.

The Korea Meteorological Administration analyzed that the hail accompanied by thunder and lightning occurred due to a sharp temperature drop and atmospheric instability caused by an influx of cold air in the upper atmosphere. On that day, a total of 12 lightning strikes were observed in Gwangju and 31 in South Jeolla Province, indicating turbulent weather conditions.

As of 2:30 p.m. on April 6, cumulative precipitation at key locations included 9.5 mm in Hampyeong, 9 mm in Nam-gu, Gwangju, 8.5 mm on Nakwol Island in Yeonggwang, 4 mm in Unnam, Muan and Heuksando, Shinan, 3.5 mm in Okhwa, Gokseong, and 3 mm in Damyang. So far, there have been no reports of facility damage or human injury caused by the hail.

Due to the continued influence of a trough of low pressure, Gwangju and South Jeolla Province are expected to remain mostly cloudy, with an additional 5 to 20 mm of rainfall expected through 6 p.m.

An official from the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration advised, "Due to atmospheric instability, hail may fall in some areas, so please pay special attention to facility management and safety. With cold air moving in and strong winds expected from the afternoon, the perceived temperature will drop, so we also ask that you take care of your health."

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