South Korea is currently grappling with an unprecedented and record-breaking heatwave for the month of October. The unseasonable warmth, which began over the weekend, reached its peak today, with temperatures in Seoul climbing to 30.1°C. This marks only the second time since 1913 that the city has experienced temperatures exceeding 30°C in October. Meteorological experts attribute this anomaly to a combination of warm southerly winds from a low-pressure system and easterly winds from a high-pressure system, which have effectively trapped heat across the region.
This mid-October period has been officially recorded as the hottest in history, significantly surpassing average seasonal temperatures. However, the sweltering conditions are expected to subside rapidly starting tonight. Rainfall is forecasted to begin in the western regions this evening, gradually spreading across the entire country by tomorrow morning. This precipitation is expected to break the back of the current heatwave, providing much-needed relief to the residents.
According to the national weather service, rainfall is expected to range between 5mm and 50mm, with mountainous regions in Jeju potentially receiving over 80mm. Authorities have issued warnings regarding the intensity of the rain, particularly between tomorrow dawn and noon, urging citizens to exercise caution during this period. The rainfall is expected to taper off by tomorrow afternoon, clearing the way for a dramatic shift in weather patterns.
Following the rain, a cold air mass from the north is set to sweep across the peninsula, leading to a sharp and sudden drop in temperatures. Daytime highs tomorrow are expected to fall by approximately 8°C compared to today, with Seoul reaching around 22°C. By Monday morning, the temperature is projected to plummet to as low as 9°C, signaling a swift transition into crisp autumn weather.
In addition to the temperature drop, strong winds are expected to affect the entire country from tomorrow night through the following day. Health officials have advised the public to take necessary precautions against the sudden temperature fluctuations, which can pose risks to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. As the cold front settles in, the country is expected to return to more typical seasonal conditions, effectively ending the unusual October heat spell.
