Rainy Arbor Day Forecast Across South Korea

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Arbor Day, South Korea is bracing for a rainy forecast that promises to deliver significant precipitation across the nation. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has indicated that rain will begin in the Seoul metropolitan area, central and northern inland regions of Gangwon, and northern South Chungcheong in the early hours, expanding nationwide by late morning.

The anticipated rainfall varies by region, with the KMA predicting between 5 to 20 millimeters in urban centers such as Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province, as well as in the inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon. Meanwhile, regions like North Jeolla and parts of Gyeongsang are expected to see around 5 to 10 millimeters of rain, with less than 5 millimeters forecasted for southern coastal areas, including Gwangju and Jeju Island. Notably, in the high mountainous areas of central and northern Gangwon, snowfall of about 1 centimeter is expected.

As the rain sweeps across the country, it will be accompanied by strong winds, particularly in the West Sea and mountainous regions of Jeju Island. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 70 kilometers per hour (about 43.5 mph) in these areas, prompting the KMA to issue warnings about potential safety hazards. The general public is advised to exercise caution, especially in regions experiencing thunder and lightning.

Current temperatures across major cities show a chilly start to the day, with morning lows ranging from 3 to 9 degrees Celsius. For instance, Seoul is expected to see a low of 8 degrees, while Busan will have a slightly warmer morning at 9 degrees. Daytime highs will range from 11 to 17 degrees, with Seoul peaking at 12 degrees and Busan reaching 16 degrees. These temperatures are slightly below the seasonal average, which typically hovers between 0 to 8 degrees for lows and 14 to 19 degrees for highs.

As the rain begins to taper off by the evening, visibility may be compromised due to fog, particularly in the central West Sea where conditions could drop below 1 kilometer. In some island areas, visibility may fall to under 200 meters, raising concerns for motorists and necessitating careful driving.

Moreover, the KMA has noted that the rainfall may mix with yellow dust originating from the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolia, which has been lingering in the region since earlier this week. This dust could further affect air quality, particularly after the rain subsides, leading to increased levels of fine dust in certain areas.

Looking ahead, the weather is expected to clear significantly by Sunday, April 6, 2025. The country will transition under the influence of a high-pressure system moving from near Shanghai, China, towards the waters south of Jeju Island. This shift is forecasted to bring partly cloudy skies and improved conditions, with temperatures remaining relatively stable.

On Sunday, morning lows will range from 1 to 8 degrees Celsius, while afternoon highs are expected to reach between 13 to 20 degrees. A notable temperature variation is anticipated, especially in the central and southern regions, where daily temperature differences could exceed 15 degrees, thus requiring attention to health management.

As the weekend unfolds, the KMA urges citizens to stay informed about weather updates and advisories, especially regarding potential strong winds and hazardous conditions on the roads. With Arbor Day coinciding with this weather event, many may have to adjust their plans for tree planting and outdoor activities.

In summary, South Korea's Arbor Day on April 5, 2025, will be marked by significant rainfall and strong winds, with the public advised to take precautions. As the weather improves on Sunday, residents can look forward to clearer skies and a more pleasant day ahead.