Sudden Start of the Rainy Season—Jeju Faces Early Monsoon and Heavy Showers

Sudden Start of the Rainy Season—Jeju Faces Early Monsoon and Heavy Showers

Sudden Start of the Rainy Season—Jeju Faces Early Monsoon and Heavy Showers

Today felt like the peak of summer already. The sun was scorching, and temperatures soared across the country, especially in the Yeongdong and Yeongnam regions, where they consistently hit above 30 degrees. At Gangneung’s Gyeongpo Beach, it was almost like a mid-summer vacation scene. People were out boating, sunbathing, and soaking in the blazing heat. But just as we’re adjusting to this intense warmth, nature is about to flip the script.

Starting tomorrow, Jeju Island will be hit by its first monsoon rain of the season—roughly a week earlier than usual. In fact, it marks the third earliest monsoon onset on record. This is a clear signal that the rainy season, known as "장마" (jangma) in Korea, is officially underway. A stationary front is creeping up from the south, drawing in warm, humid air and tropical moisture. That’s what’s setting off this early rainfall.

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Jeju could see as much as 80mm of rain by Friday, with intense bursts of 10 to 20mm per hour at times. By Friday, the rain will spread to the southern mainland and parts of the Chungcheong region. Then, by Saturday, expect showers across nearly the entire country. What’s particularly concerning is the potential for heavy rain, especially in southern regions and Jeju, where the precipitation could be significant.

Despite the rain, temperatures will remain high. Tomorrow in Seoul, it’s expected to hit 31°C—the hottest day so far this year. Places like Jeonju and Gumi are also looking at highs around 30°C. So, even though rain is on the forecast, the heat isn’t going anywhere just yet.

And there’s more. The first typhoon of the season, named “Ewiniar” (우딥 in Korean), has formed over the eastern waters of Vietnam. While it’s not expected to directly impact Korea, it’s pulling in additional moisture that could feed into our monsoon system, especially early next week. So yes, this typhoon might be far away, but its ripple effects could still be felt here in the form of heavier rains.

Looking ahead, it’s essential to keep a close eye on weather updates over the coming days. These early monsoon rains, combined with tropical influences, can create unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas. If you live in southern parts of the country or in Jeju, take this time to check your surroundings—clear drainage, secure loose objects, and make sure you're ready for the possibility of sudden, heavy rainfall.

This unexpected early start to the rainy season is a reminder of how dynamic and interconnected our weather systems are. Stay safe, stay dry, and keep checking the forecast.

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