This weekend, temperatures are expected to rise by about 1 to 2 degrees from now, making it hot and humid. The tropical night phenomenon, where temperatures do not drop significantly even at night, will intensify. The heat will continue into next week. However, there will be days when it rains, particularly in the central region, especially in the west. Forecasts indicate that a relatively small amount of rain will fall in regions suffering from drought, such as Gangneung.
The Korea meteorological Administration noted in a regular forecast briefing on the 21st that 'as a high pressure system envelops Korea, the heat and tropical nights will intensify from the 22nd to the 24th.' They added that localized showers may occur in inland areas where hot moisture is being drawn in.
In particular, the tropical night phenomenon will prevail for a while, especially in urban and coastal areas. An official from the Korea meteorological Administration explained, 'Due to being under a high-pressure system and the inflow of southwestern winds carrying hot moisture, heat continues to accumulate even at night.' The official further elaborated that temperatures are not dropping much in the eastern coastal areas as the southwestern winds cross the Taebaek Mountains. This heat will persist into next week.
However, there are rain forecasts focusing on the central region on the 26th and the 28th to 29th. In areas receiving rain, temperatures may drop by about 2 to 3 degrees. In other regions, scattered showers are expected during the day.
This rain is mainly expected to fall in the western parts of Korea, with relatively less rainfall expected in the Gangwon Yeongdong region. Thus, resolving the drought in Gangneung also seems challenging. Recently, the accumulated rainfall in Gangneung over the past six months has been only 50% of the annual average, leading to the reservoir rate of the main water source, Obong Reservoir, dropping to 20%, and restricted water supply measures are being implemented in most regions.
Typhoon No. 12 'Lingling,' which occurred at 9 a.m. that day, is not expected to affect Korea. Lingling is moving southeast of Korea after passing through the Kyushu region of Japan and is projected to weaken into a tropical depression (TD) within 24 hours. However, a strong wind advisory is in effect in the eastern offshore waters of Korea due to strong winds.
Meanwhile, as of 12:30 p.m. that day, most areas across the country are showing temperatures of 31 to 33 degrees. A heat wave advisory has been issued for all areas except parts of Gangwon and Jeju. There may also be sporadic rain in some places. The central region and Jeju are expected to receive 5 to 40mm of rain that day, while the southern region may see showers of 5 to 60mm.