Unseasonably Warm Weather Gives Way To Heavy Rain

On May 8, 2025, the weather across South Korea was unusually warm, with temperatures soaring to nearly summer-like levels. In Daeso, North Gyeongsang Province, the mercury hit 28.1 degrees Celsius, while Seoul's Dongjak-gu recorded a high of 26.7 degrees Celsius. The heat prompted many children to enjoy water play, taking advantage of the warm weather.

However, this early summer warmth is set to give way to rain, as a significant weather shift is expected on May 9. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain will begin in the early morning hours, starting in the Chungcheong region and southern Jeju, before spreading across the country by midday.

Heavy rainfall is anticipated, particularly in Jeju Island, where mountainous areas could see over 200mm of rain. The southern coast and regions near Mount Jiri are also expected to receive substantial amounts, with forecasts indicating as much as 80mm of rain. In the Seoul metropolitan area and parts of Chungcheong, Jeonbuk, and Gyeongbuk, rainfall of 10 to 40mm is expected.

The rain is expected to be heavy, with rates of 30 to 50mm per hour in Jeju and around 20mm per hour in the southern coastal areas. As a result, heavy rain advisories have been issued for Jeju, the southern coast, and the area surrounding Mount Jiri, prompting officials to warn residents about potential landslides and flooding.

Along with the rain, strong winds are forecasted to sweep across the nation. Gale warnings have been issued for coastal areas, with gusts potentially exceeding 20 meters per second. Waves at sea are also expected to be high, making conditions hazardous for maritime activities.

As the rain arrives, temperatures will drop significantly. The morning low on May 9 is expected to be around 15 degrees Celsius in Seoul, which is notably higher than the same period last year. However, the daytime high will plummet to around 16 degrees Celsius, a drop of about 9 degrees from May 8.

In other major cities, daytime temperatures will also see a decline. Gwangju is expected to reach 19 degrees Celsius, while Daegu will hit 18 degrees. The overall weather pattern indicates a shift to cooler temperatures as the rain takes over.

Looking ahead, the rain in the southern regions is expected to taper off by the evening of May 9, but the central regions may experience intermittent rain through the weekend. In fact, rain could continue in parts of Yeongseo, Gangwon, until May 11, 2025.

In addition to the rain, air quality has also been a concern, particularly in Seoul, Chungbuk, and Sejong, where levels of fine dust have reached 'bad' levels due to yellow dust. This poor air quality is expected to persist into the early morning hours of May 9, further complicating the weather situation.

As the weather changes, residents are urged to take precautions against potential flooding and wind damage. With the rainy season approaching, it is essential to stay informed about weather updates and prepare for changing conditions.

In summary, the warm and pleasant weather experienced on May 8 will soon give way to a significant weather shift, with heavy rain and strong winds expected across the country on May 9. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for the cooler temperatures and potential hazards that the rain may bring.