People walk in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on July 8.WOO SANG-JO
Korea is expected to be battered by torrential downpours overnight as rain clouds from Typhoon Bavi move over the peninsula on Tuesday, while strong winds threaten to cause additional damage.
“The tropical depression that developed from Bavi is approaching the peninsula, and the accompanying rain band is expected to affect the peninsula from Tuesday to Wednesday,” Lee Gwang-yeon, a forecast analyst at the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), said during a weather briefing.
“Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds is expected to fall within a short period overnight.”
Typhoon Bavi, now weakened to a tropical depression, moves toward the Korean Peninsula with abundant moisture in a satellite image.KOREA METEOROLOGICAL ADMINISTRATION
Heavy rain advisories had been issued for the five Yellow Sea islands as of 1 p.m. due to rain clouds moving in from offshore, according to the KMA.
Rain is expected to reach the greater Seoul area later in the afternoon before becoming heavier overnight.
As the tropical depression passes through North Korea, northern Gyeonggi and Gangwon — the areas closest to its path — are forecast to receive intense rainfall of 30 to 50 millimeters (1.18 to 2 inches) per hour overnight. The total precipitation could exceed 120 millimeters.
The rest of the Seoul metropolitan area, northern Chungcheong and North Jeolla are also expected to see heavy rain of 20 to 30 millimeters per hour.
Strong winds of more than 20 meters per second (44 miles per hour), or up to 25 meters per second in mountainous areas, are also forecast. A high wind advisory could be issued if winds reach those speeds.
Authorities advised people to avoid being outdoors at night and return home as early as they can.
"Please exercise extra caution because falling objects such as banners and tree branches, as well as toppled or broken trees, could pose a danger to pedestrians and motorists,” the KMA said.
An umbrella stands in a field in North Gyeongsang on July 12.NEWS1
The rain is expected to gradually ease in the country's northwestern regions early Wednesday.
Even after the rain ends, hot and humid air will continue to flow into the country.
As a result, the sweltering heat is expected to persist day and night. In Pohang, North Gyeongsang, apparent temperature could reach 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, and the risk of heat-related illnesses is expected to rise. In Seoul, the apparent temperature is forecast to remain around 32 degrees Celsius through the weekend.
“Warm, humid southwesterly winds will prevent nighttime temperatures from dropping, so people should continue to take precautions against the heat,” Woo Jin-gyu, a KMA forecaster, said.
Beginning Thursday, the seasonal monsoon front is expected to strengthen again from the west. The rain is likely to start in the southern region. It is forecast to spread into the Chungcheong region on Friday before expanding nationwide on Sunday.
“There is a high possibility that the stationary front will become active again after next Tuesday,” Lee said.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
