Nationwide Rain Brings Relief And Risks Across Korea

Starting Sunday morning, July 13, 2025, South Korea is bracing for widespread rainfall that will stretch across the nation through Monday, July 14. This weather shift is expected to gradually ease the intense heatwave that has gripped the country, but not without bringing its own challenges, including heavy downpours and strong winds in certain areas.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasts that rain will first appear in the southern regions, including Jeju Island and the Jeonnam area, before spreading northward and eastward throughout the day. By evening, most parts of the country will be experiencing rain, with the exception of some eastern and southern parts of Gyeonggi Province where only light drizzles are expected late in the afternoon.

According to multiple reports, the rain will be particularly heavy in southern coastal areas, Jeju, and the Yeongdong region, with some places expecting 80 to 100 millimeters or more of rainfall. The southern coast and Jeju Island are set to see some of the most intense precipitation, with hourly rainfall rates potentially exceeding 30 millimeters in localized spots. This raises concerns about sudden rises in water levels in valleys and rivers, prompting safety warnings for residents and visitors near these vulnerable areas.

Further north, the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon inland are forecasted to receive between 10 to 40 millimeters of rain. While this rainfall will bring some relief from the scorching heat, temperatures in central regions where the rain arrives later will still climb to around 35 degrees Celsius during the day. For instance, Seoul is expected to hit a high of 35°C on July 13, despite the incoming showers.

Other major cities will see varied temperatures amid the rain. Gwangju’s temperature is predicted to drop to about 31°C, roughly 4 degrees cooler than the previous day, while Busan will remain relatively mild at 29°C. The eastern coastal city of Gangneung will experience daytime highs near 32°C, and Pohang is expected to reach 34°C. Morning lows across the country will range between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius, with Seoul and Gwangju both at 25°C and Daegu at 22°C.

Jeju Island, besides heavy rain, will also experience strong winds, and the sea off its southern coast will see waves reaching up to 3 meters high, signaling hazardous conditions for maritime activities. The East Sea and South Sea coastal waters are expected to have waves between 0.5 to 1.5 meters, while the West Sea will see waves up to 1 meter. Offshore, wave heights could reach as high as 2.5 meters in some areas.

The rain is expected to taper off by late Monday afternoon, July 14, bringing a brief respite from the wet weather. Daytime temperatures next week are forecasted to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, marking a noticeable dip from the recent heatwave highs. However, the heatwave will not vanish completely. Despite the rainfall, nighttime temperatures in cities like Seoul may still remain high enough to cause tropical nights, where temperatures do not drop below 25°C, making it difficult for residents to find relief from the heat.

Alongside the rain and heat, air quality is expected to improve significantly due to the rain and favorable atmospheric conditions. Fine dust concentrations are projected to be at 'Good' levels nationwide, allowing for cleaner air and better visibility.

Weather experts advise caution, especially for those in regions expecting heavy showers accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning. The possibility of flash flooding in valleys and along rivers necessitates vigilance and preparedness. Residents should stay updated with local weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall periods.

In summary, South Korea faces a complex weather pattern starting July 13, 2025, where much-needed rain will help ease the heatwave but also bring challenges such as heavy rainfalls, strong winds, and rough seas. The interplay of these elements creates a dynamic and potentially hazardous environment, underscoring the importance of staying informed and prepared.