Unseasonably warm temperatures give way to rain and strong winds across South Korea
Category: Health
As South Korea experiences unseasonably warm temperatures, a dramatic shift in weather is on the horizon. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued forecasts indicating that regions across the country will see rainfall starting today, October 12, with a notable drop in temperatures expected tomorrow.
On October 12, the KMA reported that certain areas, particularly in the central inland regions, would experience scattered showers, with rainfall expected to intensify in the evening. By late tonight, rain is predicted to spread to the metropolitan area of Seoul, as well as the Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces. This weather pattern is expected to continue into the next day, with most of the country experiencing occasional rain before it begins to taper off by midday on October 13.
The KMA has forecasted rainfall amounts ranging from 5 to 70 mm across various regions. For example, Seoul and Incheon are expected to receive between 5 and 40 mm of rain, whereas Jeju Island could see between 20 and 70 mm due to a heavy rain warning in effect for the mountainous areas. The highest recorded temperature today reached a sweltering 31.5 degrees Celsius in Daejeon, breaking the previous October record of 31.2 degrees set in 2021. This unseasonably warm weather is set to change dramatically as a cold front moves in from the northwest.
Following the rain, temperatures are expected to drop significantly. The KMA predicts that on October 13, daytime highs will range from 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, a decrease of 7 to 9 degrees from the previous day. The lowest morning temperatures will be between 15 to 21 degrees Celsius, and by the following day, October 14, temperatures could plummet to between 5 and 15 degrees in the morning, with highs only reaching 17 to 22 degrees.
Weather conditions will also be affected by strong winds. Starting late on October 13, gusts of wind are expected to reach speeds of up to 55 km/h across most of the country, with mountainous regions experiencing winds of up to 70 km/h. These conditions will pose risks for outdoor activities and may lead to dangerous situations, particularly at sea.
With the arrival of rain and wind, the KMA has urged residents to exercise caution. Areas experiencing rain may face reduced visibility and slippery roads, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Officials have also warned of potential thunder and lightning associated with the storms, advising that facilities should be secured and safety protocols followed.
In coastal areas, particularly along the eastern coast, waves may rise significantly, with forecasts indicating heights of up to 5 meters. Residents are advised to avoid approaching beaches and rocky shorelines due to the risk of high waves and strong currents. The KMA has emphasized that tidal conditions will also be heightened, raising the possibility of coastal flooding during high tide.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to stabilize after the rain clears. On October 14, a return to clear skies is anticipated, but temperatures will remain low, with morning lows dropping below 10 degrees in many areas. By October 15, the forecast indicates that temperatures will range between 5 and 12 degrees in the morning, with daytime highs reaching 20 to 23 degrees.
As the country braces for this abrupt change in weather, the KMA continues to monitor conditions closely. They advise that residents stay informed through updates and alerts, particularly those living in areas prone to flooding or high winds.
As the weather transforms, residents are reminded to prepare for the changes, ensuring safety measures are in place as they navigate this shift from summer-like warmth to cooler, wetter conditions.