Peak foliage arrives before Sunday’s heavy rain

Mild weather is expected to continue through the weekend as autumn foliage reaches its peak across Korea, though heavy rain is forecast for Sunday.

Mostly clear skies are expected on Friday and Saturday under the influence of a moving high-pressure system, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said. Daytime temperatures are expected to gradually rise, with Seoul's high reaching 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, warmer than the seasonal average.

Rain is expected to begin in northwestern regions early Sunday as the high-pressure system moves eastward and rainclouds move in.

"A trough associated with a low-pressure system is expected to pass over Korea between [Sunday and Monday]," KMA forecast analyst Lee Gwang-yeon said during a regular weather briefing on Thursday. "As the trough passes through, rain accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning is expected nationwide."

Rain is forecast to spread to central regions Sunday morning and across the country in the afternoon before beginning to taper off in central regions Sunday night. Rain is expected to continue in southern regions and on Jeju Island until Monday morning.

"The trough, which will take the form of a cold front, could bring unusually heavy rainfall for autumn," Lee said. "As the rain coincides with the season when leaves are falling, fallen leaves could clog storm drains in some areas, so precautions are necessary."

Temperatures are expected to fall below seasonal averages after the rain ends as another wave of cold air moves in, bringing chillier weather next week.

As autumn deepens, fall foliage has begun reaching its peak across the country. Mount Odae in Gangwon was the first mountain to reach peak foliage on Wednesday, one day earlier than the seasonal average, according to the KMA. Peak foliage is defined as the point when approximately 80 percent of a mountain's foliage has changed color, starting from the summit.

The first fall foliage was also observed on Mount Bukhan in Seoul and Mount Halla on Jeju on Wednesday. The changing colors come one day earlier than average for Mount Bukhan and on the usual date for Mount Halla.

With typical autumn weather and large temperature differences between day and night expected to continue for the time being, visitors are likely to be able to enjoy the autumn colors at their peak.

"With daily temperature swings of more than 10 degrees Celsius expected across much of the country, we urge people to take precautions against respiratory illnesses during the seasonal transition," Lee said.

BY CHON KWON-PIL [[email protected]]