Torrential rains expected in Seoul's vicinity starting on Wednesday
Heavy Rain and Severe Weather Forecast for Greater Seoul
A stationary front currently over the southern region of Korea is set to shift northward starting Wednesday morning, bringing intense rainfall to parts of the country, including Greater Seoul and Gangwon Province.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the Greater Seoul region is forecast to experience heavy rain with precipitation rates of 30 to 70 millimeters per hour, primarily between Wednesday morning and afternoon. This heavy rain episode is part of a nationwide rainy pattern influenced by the northward movement and lingering of the jangma front, a seasonal phenomenon extending into mid-August.
The weather system causing the heavy rain is the jangma front combined with a regional low-pressure system, bringing moisture and instability into central Korea. This combination produces intense downpours and potential localized flooding. The rain may be accompanied by thunder, lightning, and gusty winds, with some areas in southern Chungcheong and southern regions experiencing continued rainfall into Thursday morning.
From Wednesday night, hourly rainfall of 30 to 50 millimeters is forecast for Greater Seoul until Thursday morning. Northern parts of Gyeonggi Province and Incheon may see over 150 millimeters of rain. Wednesday and Thursday's rainfall is projected to fall within the 50 mm to 120 mm range in Seoul and southern parts of Gyeonggi Province.
As the North Pacific high-pressure system and the Tibetan high-pressure system begin to move over the Korean Peninsula throughout the day, heat wave advisories will be issued nationwide from Friday. High apparent temperatures may be observed from Friday, marking the end of the heavy rain period. The rain will taper off from Friday morning.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and prepared for possible floods and severe weather conditions. It is crucial to follow any instructions issued by local authorities and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this weather event.
[1] Korea Meteorological Administration, "Heavy Rain Warning for Greater Seoul and Surrounding Areas", 2023-07-31.
[2] Korea Meteorological Administration, "Jangma Front to Cause Second Rainy Season in Korea", 2023-07-31.
Environmental science and weather predictions for the coming days in Greater Seoul are of concern, given the heavy rain forecast. This weather system, resulting from the jangma front combined with a regional low-pressure system, is expected to lead to environmental-science events such as flooding and instability due to intense downpours.
