Heavy downpours forecast across much of S. Korea

Heavy rain swept across South Korea on Monday, with parts of the southwest recording more than 200 millimeters of rain and another round of intense downpours expected in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province Gangwon Province and the North and South Chungcheong provinces later in the day.

As of 10 a.m., heavy rain warnings were in effect for parts of the Chungcheong and western Jeolla regions. Rain was falling at rates of 20 to 50 mm per hour in western North Jeolla Province, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

From just after midnight on Sunday to Monday morning, Nakweoldo in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province, had received 552 mm of rain. Sangha in Gochang County recorded 237 mm, while Julpo in Buan County received 212.5 mm.

The rain was caused by a stationary front formed between hot, humid air along the edge of the North Pacific high-pressure system to the south and a low-pressure circulation to the north.

The KMA said humid air had strengthened rain clouds near the west coast of the Jeolla region, delaying the development of heavier rain over Greater Seoul, Gangwon Province and the Chungcheong region.

Intense rain was expected to redevelop Monday afternoon across southern Gyeonggi Province, the southern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon Province and North Chungcheong Province.

Those areas could receive 20 to 30 mm per hour, accompanied by gusty winds, thunder and lightning. Parts of South Chungcheong and western North Jeolla provinces could see rates exceeding 50 mm per hour.

On Monday and Tuesday, western South Chungcheong Province is forecast to receive 50 to 100 mm of rain, with more than 150 mm possible in some areas. Daejeon, Sejong, eastern South Chungcheong Province and North Chungcheong Province are expected to receive 30 to 80 mm.

Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province are forecast to receive 20 to 60 mm, with more than 80 mm possible in southern Gyeonggi Province and the southern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon Province.

Western North Jeolla Province could receive 20 to 80 mm on Monday, with more than 120 mm possible along the coast. Northern and central parts of North Gyeongsang Province, as well as Ulleungdo and Dokdo, are forecast to receive 20 to 60 mm.

Scattered showers are also expected across southern regions and Jeju Island on Monday afternoon and evening.

Rain is largely expected to end in southern regions and on Jeju Island on Monday night. It will continue in much of Greater Seoul, Gangwon Province and the Chungcheong region through Tuesday morning and may persist into the afternoon in eastern Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province.

The KMA warned of possible landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swollen streams and traffic disruptions following repeated heavy rain over the weekend.

Monday’s daytime highs are forecast to range from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius. Southern regions and Jeju Island are expected to remain humid, with apparent temperatures reaching around 33 C.

Strong swells are also expected along the east coast, with waves potentially washing over rocks and breakwaters. The KMA advised people to stay away from coastal areas.