Seoul and surrounding regions experienced intense rainfall overnight between July 17 and 18, with the capital recording 118.7 mm of rain [1].

The sudden surge in precipitation triggered the first emergency rain disaster messages of the year for certain districts, signaling a significant escalation in seasonal weather volatility.

Rainfall peaked between 04:00 and 05:00 KST [1]. During this window, emergency disaster alerts were issued to residents in Seoul's Gangseo-gu and Eunpyeong-gu [1]. The weather system brought the strongest rains seen in the capital region so far this year, a YTN anchor said [1].

Beyond the capital, the impact was more severe in Gyeonggi-Do and Gangwon-Do. Dongducheon in Gyeonggi-Do recorded a total of 162.9 mm [1], while Inje in Gangwon-Do saw 109 mm [1]. In areas including Pocheon, Cheorwon, and Hwacheon, rain intensity reached 40–50 mm per hour [1].

Reports on the status of weather warnings varied. Some sources indicated that rain warnings remained in effect for Pocheon and Cheorwon [1], while others said the warnings had been lifted and downgraded to rain advisories [1].

By the time of the report on Saturday, the intensity of the rain in Seoul had subsided. Reporter Jang A-young said the rainfall in the city had dropped to between two and five mm per hour [1].

“Seoul recorded 118.7 mm of rain overnight”

The issuance of the first emergency disaster messages of the year in Seoul suggests that the 2026 monsoon season is characterized by high-intensity, localized bursts of rain rather than steady precipitation. This pattern increases the risk of flash flooding in urban centers and requires rapid-response communication systems to prevent casualties.