Typhoon Chan-hom is expected to bring rain to the east coast of South Korea following a period of extreme heat and drought [1, 2].
The arrival of the storm is critical for the southern regions of the country, where a prolonged heat wave has left the land unusually dry. Authorities anticipate that the typhoon's rainfall may alleviate growing drought concerns in several provinces [1].
Recent weather data highlights the severity of the dry spell. Last month, rainfall in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam was only 68 mm [1]. This figure represents a historical record low for the region [1].
Typically, these areas receive more than 300 mm of rain during the same period [1]. The recorded 68 mm is approximately one-fifth of the normal amount [1].
Some areas were hit harder than others. Ulsan experienced particularly severe conditions, receiving only 11% of its typical rainfall [1].
"After the extreme heat wave, I am worried about the drought," an anchor for YTN said [2].
Typhoon Chan-hom is currently positioned over Japan [1, 2]. While the storm is expected to bring precipitation, the rain is forecasted to fall mainly along the east coast [1, 2].
Local reporters noted the disparity in precipitation levels. Reporter Jang A-young said that rainfall in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam hit an all-time low last month [2].
“Rainfall in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam last month was 68 mm, recording the lowest in history.”
The reliance on typhoon activity to break a drought indicates a precarious water security situation in South Korea's southern provinces. While Typhoon Chan-hom may provide necessary moisture, the concentration of rain on the east coast may leave the most drought-stricken inland and southern areas without sufficient relief, potentially prolonging agricultural and municipal water shortages.
