갈라진 땅 흠뻑 적실까…광복절 연휴, 최대 100㎜ 비

During the nationwide holiday period leading up to August 15th, heavy rainfall is expected across most regions of South Korea. Particularly along the southern coast and around Mount Kumgang, up to 150 mm of rain is anticipated. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced on the 14th that rain would begin in Jeju on the 15th and spread to the southern regions in the afternoon, with thunderstorms expected in the evening.

The precipitation is forecasted to spread nationwide by dawn on the 16th and cease around midnight on the 17th. However, on the 17th afternoon, some areas in the middle region may still experience brief periods of light rain. The cause of this rainfall is attributed to the weakening of a high-pressure system in the northwestern Pacific, known as Typhoon 'Dolfin'.

The KMA explained on the 13th that a low-pressure system near Shanghai has moved towards Korea, bringing humid air from the south and resulting in heavy rainfall in the southern regions. The expected rainfall amounts vary regionally, with 50-100 mm expected in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do, including the southern coast and the vicinity of Mount Kumgang.

In the northwestern region, including Jeju, the capital city of Seoul, and North Chungcheong and South Chungcheong provinces, rainfall amounts are expected to range from 30-80 mm (120 mm or more in the vicinity of Mount Kumgang). The Jeju region is expected to receive 30-80 mm (150 mm or more in mountainous areas), while Chungcheongbuk-do, Gangwon-do inland and mountainous areas, and the Seoul metropolitan area are expected to receive 20-60 mm.

The capital city and coastal areas of Gangwon-do are expected to receive up to 5 mm of rainfall. The heaviest rainfall is expected along the southern coast and around Mount Kumgang due to the topographical effects. It is anticipated that the southern regions' drought will be somewhat alleviated by this rainfall. The monthly rainfall in the southern regions from December 12th to November 11th amounted to 58.5 mm, which is only one-fourth of the annual average (241.9 mm).

This is the second lowest rainfall in the same period since 1973. Notably, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do recorded the lowest rainfall levels at 16.6 mm (6.1% of the annual average) and Jeju recorded 5.1 mm (3.1% of the annual average). The water levels in Gyeongsangnam-do reservoirs are at 32.3% of the annual average (70.8%), requiring the government to mobilize its "Southern Drought Response Team".

With the poleward influence of the North Pacific High Pressure System, the lowest night temperatures of 20-25°C and the highest daytime temperatures of 24-34°C are forecasted from the 15th to the 17th. During this period, particularly from the 16th, daytime temperatures are expected to drop to 24-30°C in some areas, indicating a potential end to the heat wave. After the rainfall subsides, the likelihood of returning heat is not ruled out.