Next week (August 10-14), most regions across the country are expected to experience a heat wave, with perceived temperatures exceeding 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F). There are concerns that the drought, particularly in the southern regions, will worsen due to a lack of significant rainfall.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the morning low on Monday, August 10, is forecasted to be between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius (68-78.8°F), with daytime highs ranging from 26 to 34 degrees Celsius (78.8-93.2°F). On August 11, morning temperatures will be between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius (66.2-77°F), and daytime highs will reach 26 to 35 degrees Celsius (78.8-95°F). Although temperatures will be slightly lower than the previous week, heat waves and tropical nights are expected to persist in various areas.
From August 12 to 18, morning temperatures are projected to be between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius (69.8-78.8°F), while daytime highs will range from 28 to 35 degrees Celsius (82.4-95°F), exceeding the average (morning lows of 21-24 degrees Celsius and daytime highs of 28-32 degrees Celsius). The maximum perceived temperatures in most areas will exceed 33 degrees Celsius, with some inland regions potentially reaching above 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).
There is little chance of rain. Aside from some rain expected along the eastern coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon Province and parts of northern Gyeongsangbuk-do, which will continue until the morning of August 10, no significant precipitation is anticipated next week.
The drought in the southern regions is worsening. As of August 6, the cumulative rainfall in the southern regions over the past two months was only 212.1 mm, which is just 46.8% of the average. This is the fourth lowest since the national weather observation network was expanded in 1973.
Water shortages are becoming a reality in various areas. The Dongbok Dam, the largest water source for Gwangju, has seen its water level drop to 50.34%, prompting a 'caution' alert for drought response. If rain does not continue, there is a possibility of implementing time-based or alternate-day water supply restrictions after the end of September.
In Gyeongnam Province, the water level for agricultural use in Miryang has fallen to 26.3%, raising the drought alert to the highest level of 'severe.' The combination of heat and water shortages has raised concerns about the survival of young fruit trees in some orchards.
In Busan, emergency water supply efforts have been initiated in the water-scarce area of Manjeok-dong in Buk-gu, where there are no water supply facilities. In the highlands of Buam 3-dong in Busanjin-gu, residents received 30 tons of water as the communal well dried up for the first time in 55 years.
Next week, the lack of significant rainfall amid the heat wave is likely to exacerbate the shortage of water for daily and agricultural use in the southern regions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.