This weekend, when cherry blossoms are expected to be in full bloom, temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly, and rain is predicted nationwide. It also seems that a tumultuous weather pattern, accompanied by thunder, hail, and strong winds, will continue. Temperatures are expected to return to average levels only next Wednesday, the 16th.
Lee Chang-jae, a forecasting analyst at the Korea Meteorological Administration, noted during a regular briefing on the 10th, "A strong cold air mass accompanying a low-pressure system will settle over our country for about two days," and added, "Dangerous weather with strong winds and gusts is expected this weekend."
Rain is expected nationwide from the afternoon of Saturday, the 12th, until early Sunday, the 13th. In particular, heavy rain of over 80 mm is expected, especially in Jeju Island. Rain will fall in the metropolitan area and Gangwon Yeongseo on the 13th, and in the central region and Jeolla and Gyeongbuk provinces on the 14th, with snow expected in high-altitude mountainous areas.
The expected rainfall amounts are ▲Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi 5-20 mm ▲Western five islands 10-40 mm ▲Gangwon inland and mountainous areas 5-20 mm ▲East coast 5-10 mm ▲Chungcheong region 5-20 mm ▲Jeonnam southern coast and eastern inland 10-50 mm ▲Jeonbuk 5-20 mm ▲Gwangju and other areas in Jeonnam 5-30 mm ▲Gyeongnam western southern coast and southwestern inland 10-50 mm ▲Busan, Ulsan, and other areas in Gyeongnam 5-30 mm ▲Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Ulleungdo, and Dokdo 5-20 mm. In Jeju, 10-40 mm is forecast for the northern region, with other areas expecting 20-60 mm, and heavy rain over 80 mm in the mountains may lead to a heavy rain warning.
Gusty winds are also expected alongside the rain. Winds with momentary speeds of over 70 km/h (90 km/h in mountainous areas) are anticipated nationwide on the 12th and 13th. Strong winds and high waves are expected over much of the sea. There is also a need to prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations due to strong winds. The forecasting analyst stated, "During springtime low-pressure systems, incidents such as collapses, power outages, and flight cancellations occurred on May 4, 2016," adding, "Hazardous situations may arise, so caution is advised."
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly on Sunday, the 13th. The lowest temperature in Seoul on that day is forecasted to be 5 degrees, with a high of 11 degrees. With strong winds blowing, the perceived temperature is expected to be even lower. Attention should also be paid to frost or cold damage to crops due to the temperature drop on the 13th and 14th.
The Korea Meteorological Administration stated, "There are likely many events or appointments planned during the peak flowering season, but unfortunately, dangerous weather has appeared," and urged outdoor enthusiasts planning activities this weekend to refer to weather information and adjust their schedules.