Korea Braces for Weather Whiplash: Heatwave Gives Way to Weekend Rain
South Korea is experiencing a wild ride of weather conditions, with a sharp contrast between cool mornings and scorching afternoons. This unexpected shift, coupled with forecasts of weekend rainfall, has prompted health advisories and a close watch on developing low-pressure systems. This breaking news update from YTN provides the latest details, and we’ll explain what this means for you, plus how to stay prepared for similar weather events in the future.
From Chilly Starts to Summer Heat in Hours
The morning of October 26th brought a refreshing chill to much of the country, with Seoul recording a temperature of just 18.4 degrees Celsius – a 3-degree drop from the previous day. Nationwide, temperatures remained below 25 degrees Celsius, except for Jeju Seogwipo. However, the reprieve was short-lived. As the day progressed, a surge of hot air swept across western regions, pushing temperatures back into summer-like territory.
Cities like Paju, Yangju, and Hanam soared past 33 degrees Celsius, while Seoul reached a sweltering 31.3 degrees Celsius – a 5-degree increase from the morning low. This dramatic temperature swing is attributed to the influence of an eastward-blowing wind, which heats air as it descends over mountains, combined with strong sunshine. In contrast, eastern regions remained significantly cooler, with temperatures around 19.7 degrees Celsius in Gyeongnam and 21.6 degrees Celsius in Daegu.
Health Concerns and Precautions
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) warns that this heat will persist in western areas until tomorrow. Tomorrow’s forecast predicts morning temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, rising sharply to 32 degrees Celsius by midday. This significant daily temperature variation – exceeding 10 degrees Celsius – poses a risk of catching a cold. Experts advise taking extra care to regulate body temperature and stay hydrated. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children.
Evergreen Tip: Sudden temperature changes can strain the cardiovascular system. Regardless of location, it’s always wise to dress in layers, allowing you to adjust to fluctuating conditions. Staying hydrated is crucial, and avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours is recommended. Consider a daily weather check as part of your routine, especially during transitional seasons.
Weekend Rain on the Horizon – But Uncertainty Remains
Looking ahead, the weekend brings the prospect of rain across the country, including Gangneung. This is due to a low-pressure system forming near the Shandong Peninsula, which is expected to pass over Korea. Currently, the North Pacific high-pressure system is pushing warm, humid air from Shanghai and Taiwan southward, while cold, dry air descends from Mongolia. The collision of these air masses near the Shandong Peninsula is creating the low-pressure system.
However, the KMA cautions that forecasts are currently mixed, with varying predictions from different numerical models. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact path and intensity of the low-pressure system. The weekend precipitation forecast remains uncertain, and the amount of rain expected in Gangneung is particularly variable. The KMA plans to release a detailed weekend precipitation outlook tomorrow following a briefing.
SEO Note: For readers searching for “Korea weather forecast” or “breaking news weather Korea,” this article provides up-to-the-minute information and links to official sources. We’ll continue to update this story as new information becomes available, ensuring our readers have access to the most accurate and timely data.
As the weather patterns continue to shift, staying informed and prepared is key. archyde.com is committed to delivering the latest updates and providing expert insights to help you navigate these dynamic conditions. Check back frequently for the most current information and explore our other articles on weather preparedness and climate trends.