People walk with umbrellas in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on July 9.YONHAP
Korea is expected to see rainy weather during the Liberation Day holiday, as remnants of Typhoon Dolphin move toward the Korean Peninsula, possibly bringing relief to drought-stricken southern regions.
Liberation Day falls every year on Aug. 15.
“Rain is expected across the country from Saturday afternoon, with some areas along the southern coast and on Jeju Island likely to see very heavy rainfall,” the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecast on Friday.
The nationwide rain over the Liberation Day holiday comes as remnants of Typhoon Dolphin, which weakened into a low-pressure system while over southern China, move across the Yellow Sea toward Korea. The low-pressure system is expected to draw hot, humid air from the south and bring rain to southern areas — which have been grappling with severe drought — on Saturday before spreading across the country early on Sunday.
Heavy rainfall is expected to be concentrated in the south.
Between Saturday and Sunday, the Honam region is forecast to receive 30 to 80 millimeters (1.2 to 3.1 inches) of rain, and the Yeongnam region is expected to see 30 to 100 millimeters.
Honam encompasses the Gwangju and Jeolla provinces, and Yeongnam covers Gyeongsang and Busan, Daegu and Ulsan.
The southern coast, areas near Mount Jiri and mountainous areas of Jeju could see downpours of 30 to 50 millimeters per hour on Sunday due to the topographical effects of southerly winds. Total rainfall in some areas could exceed 150 millimeters.
The greater Seoul area is expected to receive a relatively modest 5 to 30 millimeters of rain.
People carrying umbrellas cross a street near Gwanghwamun Station in central Seoul on July 14.YONHAP
The rain is forecast to continue through Monday, the final day of the holiday, before gradually easing.
The rainfall is expected to provide significant relief from the drought to southern regions, though intense downpours accompanied by gusty winds, thunder and lightning could also cause damage.
“Intense rainfall over a short period could cause water levels in valleys and streams to rise suddenly, so people should avoid approaching or camping near them and move to a safe place if the sky suddenly darkens,” a KMA official said.
Meanwhile, sweltering conditions will affect mainly western parts of the country on Friday, which marks Malbok, traditionally the last of Korea’s three hottest days of summer. Seoul’s daytime apparent temperature is forecast to reach 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit).
The heat is expected to ease somewhat during the holiday. Temperatures, however, are forecast to climb again after the rain ends on Monday, bringing another spell of oppressive heat.
“Apparent temperatures are expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius or higher across most of the country, with heat waves and tropical nights continuing, so people should take care of their health,” a KMA official said.
BY CHON KWON-PIL [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
