Next week, there will be rain for the first time in a while, but the 'heat wave' like now is expected to continue. In particular, the humid air containing moisture will continue to flow in, making the perceived temperature even higher.
The Korea Meteorological Administration noted during its regular forecast briefing on the 31st that "rain will fall on Jeju Island from August 3-4 (Sunday to Monday), and in the central region from August 6-7 (Wednesday to Thursday)," but added that "the fact that the heat will persist this week and next week remains unchanged."
This summer, Korea is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave. From June 1 to July 29, there were 15 days of heat wave nationwide, and 6.9 days of tropical nights, both ranking third in history. This is due to the overlapping of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High, which is trapping heat. Especially since the 25th, the prolonged accumulation of heat waves and tropical nights means that caution against heat-related illnesses should be heightened.
Changes in the previously stable pressure system are expected to appear around August 4. Currently, Typhoon No. 9, "Krosa," passing southeast of Tokyo, Japan, is moving northeast, and the high pressure covering Korea is expected to also move northeast at this time. Accordingly, humid air from the south, rich in moisture, will flow in, bringing some rain to the Jeju region and, to a broader extent, to Honam and Chungcheong areas.
However, the sweltering heat is unlikely to dissipate. A representative from the Korea Meteorological Administration said, "The high humidity will be maintained, so the perceived temperature will not drop." The perceived temperature refers to the temperature that represents the actual heat felt by a person, considering factors such as humidity and wind, beyond just air temperature.
Around August 6, it looks like heavy rain will fall mainly in the central region. The North Pacific High, which had contracted southeast of Japan, is expected to expand westward again, sending hot and humid air into Korea, while dry air is coming down from the north, causing the collision of two different air masses. If dry air descends further, the area of rain could expand even to the southern regions.
At that time, temperatures may drop somewhat. According to the current forecast for Seoul's daily maximum temperatures, they are expected to maintain 36 degrees until August 2, then drop to 35 degrees on the 3rd and 4th, and 34 degrees on the 5th, before decreasing to around 33 degrees from the 6th to the 8th. However, the Korea Meteorological Administration explained that from the 6th to the 8th, the expected temperature variability is considerable, depending on how much rain falls.
Meanwhile, the Korea Meteorological Administration said that a 'storm warning' will be in effect over the southern West Sea and the waters around Jeju Island until Friday, the 1st, urging that "care should be taken against safety accidents at the coast during the holiday season."