SEOUL, July 09 (AJP) - Heavy rain fell across the Seoul metropolitan area and other parts of central South Korea on Wednesday as the country entered a period of so-called "monsoon heat," in which the rainy season overlaps with extreme summer temperatures.
This year's monsoon arrived later than usual, causing the rainy season and heat wave to coincide. High humidity from persistent rainfall, followed by intense sunshine after the rain clears, is expected to drive the heat index significantly higher in the coming days.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), heavy rain advisories were issued for central regions while heat wave advisories remained in effect for southern areas. KMA also issued this year's first tropical night advisories for parts of North Gyeongsang Province, where nighttime temperatures are expected to remain above 25 degrees Celsius.
Rain is forecast to continue across the greater Seoul area and Gangwon Province through Thursday morning before moving northward. As the North Pacific High expands over the Korean Peninsula later this week, hot and humid conditions are expected to intensify nationwide, with daytime highs reaching up to 36 degrees Celsius over the weekend. High humidity is also expected to increase the perceived temperature, while tropical nights are likely to become more widespread.
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