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 degrees Fahrenheit). There are concerns that drought conditions will worsen, particularly in the southern regions, 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 (68-79 degrees Fahrenheit), with daytime highs ranging from 26 to 34 degrees Celsius (79-93 degrees Fahrenheit). On August 11, morning temperatures are expected to be between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius (66-77 degrees Fahrenheit), and daytime highs will reach 26 to 35 degrees Celsius (79-95 degrees Fahrenheit). Although temperatures will be slightly lower than the previous week, heat waves and tropical nights will continue in various areas.
From August 12 to 18, morning temperatures are projected to be between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius (70-79 degrees Fahrenheit), while daytime highs will range from 28 to 35 degrees Celsius (82-95 degrees Fahrenheit), exceeding the seasonal averages (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 over 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
There is little expectation 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.
Drought conditions in the southern regions are 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 water supply restrictions by 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 'serious.' 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 measures have been implemented in the Saegim Village of Mandeok-dong, which lacks water supply facilities, and in the highlands of Buam 3-dong, where a communal well has dried up for the first time in 55 years, residents received 30 tons of water.
Next week, with the ongoing heat wave and no significant rain in sight, the shortage of water for daily and agricultural use in the southern regions is likely to worsen.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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