Rain Forecast up to 120mm in Gwangju and Jeonnam Starting from the 4th

Unprecedented drought-stricken Gwangju and Jeonnam are forecasted to receive up to 120mm of much-needed rain over three days starting from the 4th.

According to the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration on the 3rd, from the 4th to the morning of the 6th, a low-pressure system developing systematically over the West Sea will approach, bringing 30 to 80mm of rain to the Gwangju and Jeonnam areas. The eastern southern coast of Jeonnam and areas near Jirisan are expected to receive up to 120mm, with some places experiencing heavy rain at a rate of 20 to 30mm per hour.

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On the 5th, warm air containing a large amount of moisture will be carried by strong southerly winds ahead of the low-pressure front, and thunderstorms with lightning are expected.

Strong winds are also anticipated. Some areas may experience gusts around 15m/s, and coastal regions could see very strong gusts reaching 20m/s.

Starting from the early morning of the 4th, the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that a storm warning may be issued for the offshore southern West Sea, followed by the inner southern West Sea in the afternoon, the eastern offshore southwestern South Sea at night, and the southern West Sea and southwestern South Sea coastal waters on the morning of the 5th. Waves are expected to gradually subside between the early morning and morning of the 6th as the area moves out of the low-pressure system's influence.

After the rain stops, temperatures are expected to drop below average. From the afternoon of the 6th, under the influence of continental high pressure, clear skies will prevail, with morning lows ranging from 1 to 9 degrees Celsius and daytime highs between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius until the 9th. In particular, on the morning of the 8th, frost and ice formation are expected mainly inland, so the Korea Meteorological Administration advises caution to prevent cold damage to crops.

The Meteorological Administration believes this rainfall could somewhat alleviate the drought conditions in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions. However, due to prolonged drought and depleted reservoir levels, it may be difficult to resolve water shortages immediately even if the drought conditions improve.

As of the 3rd, the cumulative rainfall over six months in the Gwangju and Jeonnam areas is 205.4mm, which is about 68.8% of the average (298.3mm). This rain could help some of the 14 drought-affected cities and counties to escape drought conditions. The Meteorological Administration defines drought as when the cumulative rainfall over six months is below 65% of the average.

A Meteorological Administration official urged caution, saying, "Heavy rain in a short period can cause retaining walls or embankments to collapse and lead to soil erosion. Especially in areas where wildfires have occurred, landslides are more likely, so extra care is needed."

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