Typhoon Nangka, the 17th typhoon of the season, is expected to move toward the eastern seas of Japan, with minimal direct impact anticipated on the Korean Peninsula. However, the weather in Korea around the Liberation Day holiday may change depending on the typhoon's path and the position of the North Pacific High.
Previously, Typhoon Chanhom weakened to a tropical depression after passing through the Japanese archipelago on August 12. Although it did not directly hit the Korean Peninsula, Chanhom caused indirect effects, bringing rain, strong winds, and high waves primarily along the eastern coast due to the influx of easterly winds.
Nangka formed near the Ogasawara Islands on the morning of August 12 and was moving northward as of 3 a.m. on August 13. According to Japanese meteorological data, Nangka is expected to move northeast before heading toward the eastern seas of Japan.
Current projections indicate that Nangka is unlikely to make landfall on the Korean Peninsula or pass directly through the country. Domestic reports suggest that Nangka will travel over waters more than 1,800 kilometers away from the Korean Peninsula.
However, it is premature to conclude that there will be no impact on the Korean Peninsula. Japanese meteorological outlets report that while Nangka is expected to move toward the eastern seas, uncertainties in its trajectory may increase after the weekend. The direction of the typhoon could change depending on the position of the high pressure located to the east of Japan.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) indicates that the most significant variable for the Korean Peninsula is not the direct impact of Nangka but the rain and heat expected after the Liberation Day holiday.
In a medium-term forecast released on August 13, the KMA predicted rain across the country on August 17. Expected temperatures on that day are 24-30 degrees Celsius in Seoul, 24-31 degrees in Daejeon, 25-31 degrees in Gwangju, and 26-29 degrees in Busan.
In contrast, the heat is expected to continue until the rain arrives. The KMA forecasts morning temperatures between 22-26 degrees Celsius and daytime highs of 29-34 degrees, which are above average for this time of year. Notably, the perceived temperature in most regions could exceed 33 degrees Celsius, leading to ongoing heat wave conditions.
Thus, this Liberation Day holiday may not see Nangka directly impacting the Korean Peninsula, but residents should prepare for localized rain amid the heat and the possibility of widespread rainfall after the holiday.
The KMA also noted that the weather on August 17 could be influenced by changes in the position of the North Pacific High and the occurrence and movement of tropical disturbances, indicating potential variability in rainfall locations and timing.
Ultimately, while the current projected path of Nangka suggests a low likelihood of direct impact on the Korean Peninsula, the way the typhoon affects surrounding pressure systems could alter the timing and intensity of rainfall after the holiday. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the latest rainfall forecasts and heat information leading up to Liberation Day.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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