A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck Japan, and now a massive typhoon is approaching, raising concerns that it may suddenly change direction and head toward South Korea's west coast.
According to Japan's Weather News, as of 9 a.m. on July 30, Typhoon Dolphin is maintaining a central pressure of 910 hPa and maximum gusts of 80 m/s, moving northwest at a speed of 20 km/h. These figures indicate a level of intensity capable of causing buildings to collapse and derailing trains.
The typhoon is expected to maintain its highest classification of 'violent' until August 2, before passing through the southern seas of Japan, including the area near Chichijima, at a 'very strong' level on August 3 and 4.
However, simulations from major weather AI models and physical prediction models indicate that some forecast lines show the typhoon making a sharp turn in the southern seas of Japan, potentially heading directly toward the west coast and southern regions of the Korean Peninsula. Depending on the expansion of the North Pacific high-pressure system, there is a possibility that the typhoon could be pushed westward, directly impacting the west coast.
Despite this, the official forecasts from South Korean and Japanese meteorological authorities currently suggest that the typhoon is most likely to bypass the southern seas of Japan. Experts caution, "While the route to the west coast is not yet confirmed, there is significant variability among models. Even if the typhoon does not make landfall, its strength could lead to high swells in the southern and western seas, bringing heavy rain and extreme heat due to the influx of moisture."
On July 30, various online communities and social media platforms were flooded with posts expressing concerns about the impact of the weather situation in Japan on South Korea.
In terms of seismic activity, the earthquake's epicenter was concentrated in the Kyushu region, which is close to Korea, putting the southern part of the peninsula within the direct influence of tremors. Reports of buildings shaking were received from across the country, including over 700 reports from Busan and Gyeongnam during the Kumamoto earthquake. Earthquake experts warn, "There remains a possibility of aftershocks from the Hinagu fault zone, and we must continue to monitor for tremors and tsunamis along the southern and eastern coasts depending on any significant aftershocks that may occur."
From a meteorological perspective, both 'intensified heat' and 'orographic heavy rain' risks have been highlighted. The typhoon, moving northward over the southern seas of Japan, could bring hot and humid moisture to the Korean Peninsula even without making landfall. This moisture could collide with the terrain, such as the Taebaek Mountains, causing extreme 'foehn effects' in the central region. The 'foehn effect' can raise daytime temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius, leading to oppressive heat, while also generating strong winds and heavy rain clouds along Jeju Island and the southern coast.
Experts advise, "Large typhoons that pass through or near the Japanese archipelago can disrupt the pressure systems around the Korean Peninsula, alternating between tropical nights and sudden heavy rains. Vessels navigating the southern coast and beachgoers should prepare for high swells and be vigilant against the rapid rise in perceived temperatures due to the heat."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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