Central South Korea Hit by Heavy Rain as South Faces Extreme Heat

Heavy monsoon rains hit central South Korea during the morning commute on Thursday, while southern provinces faced extreme heat ^[1], ^[3].

This weather divide disrupts transportation in the capital region and threatens public health in the south during one of the year's hottest seasonal periods.

A stationary front positioned north of the Demilitarized Zone is generating localized heavy precipitation over the central region ^[4]. The Korea Meteorological Administration said that extreme rain of up to 50 mm per hour is possible in the capital area and Gangwon province ^[1].

In the early morning, rain intensity in Hwacheon, Gangwon, reached 20–30 mm per hour ^[1]. Similar hourly rates of 20–30 mm were reported across the central north, including Incheon, northern Gyeonggi, and northern Gangwon ^[5]. However, some areas showed lower intensity, with Cheorwon reporting less than 10 mm per hour at the time of reporting ^[7].

Forecasts for total rainfall vary by location. Northern Gyeonggi, Incheon, and inland Gangwon are expected to see 80 mm or more ^[1], ^[6]. Other parts of the capital area and inland Gangwon may see up to 60 mm ^[6], while the Daejeon and Chungcheong regions are forecast to receive about 50 mm ^[1].

While the north deals with flooding, the south is experiencing the peak of summer. "Today, the steaming heat will continue centering on the southern region, as it is 'Daeseo,' the hottest period of the year," a YTN anchor said ^[3].

Residents in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon faced intermittent rain during their Thursday morning travels ^[1], ^[2]. The combination of a stationary front and the seasonal transition has created a stark climatic split between the northern and southern halves of the peninsula ^[4].