The heat wave that scorched the country is expected to ease somewhat this weekend (Aug. 8–9). Heavy rain is forecast on the East Coast, and showers are expected in some areas.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 7th, Saturday the 8th will be mostly cloudy nationwide, with the East Coast and Jeju Island largely overcast. Rain will begin before dawn in the East Coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon, spreading in the morning to the East Coast and northeastern mountains of North Gyeongsang.
From the 8th to the 9th, 50–100 mm of rain is expected in the East Coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon. Some areas could see more than 150 mm.
The northern East Coast and northeastern mountains of North Gyeongsang will also see 30–80 mm, with more than 100 mm in some places. The southern East Coast of North Gyeongsang is expected to get 20–60 mm, and the mountainous and mid-mountain regions of Jeju Island 10–60 mm.
In the capital area, inland Gangwon, the Chungcheong region, the Jeolla region, and inland Gyeongsang, scattered showers are expected from Saturday afternoon into the night. Expected rainfall is 5–40 mm.
Daytime temperatures will fall compared with the weekdays when the heat wave persisted. On the 8th, morning lows are forecast at 22–27 C, with daytime highs at 26–37 C.
On Sunday the 9th, the East Coast and Jeju Island will remain mostly overcast, with rain in the East Coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon; the East Coast and northeastern mountains of North Gyeongsang; South Gyeongsang; and Jeju Island.
In North Chungcheong, eastern North Jeolla, and inland Daegu and southern North Gyeongsang, showers are possible from the afternoon. Daytime highs are expected to be 26–35 C.
While the intensity of the heat wave will weaken, the sultry heat and tropical nights are likely to continue for the time being. On both the 8th and 9th, some areas may see overnight temperatures remain above 25 C.
At sea, caution is advised due to high waves. For the time being, strong winds and high waves are expected mainly in the waters off Jeju Island and the South Sea. Swell may also move into the South Coast and the coast of Jeju Island, so be mindful of safety along the shore.
The Korea Meteorological Administration urged people to avoid dangerous areas such as valleys, riversides, and coasts, as heavy rain may fall mainly along the East Coast.