(2nd LD) Showers expected for S. Korea as record-long monsoon persists, heat advisory issued for some areas

All News 16:11 August 12, 2020

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SEOUL, Aug. 12 (Yonhap) -- While heavy rains that have killed more than 30 in South Korea have eased, showers were expected for most parts of the country Wednesday as the country's monsoon season continued for 50 days.

Showers measuring 20 to 80 millimeters, accompanied by thunder and lightning, were forecast for most parts of the country later in the day, with the exception of the eastern coastal area, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

This year's monsoon marked the country's longest season after a 49-day streak in 2013. It also marked the first monsoon season in decades that extended into mid-August.

The recent downpours that pounded the central region caused serious damage across the country, killing 33 and leaving nine others missing. Some 7,800 have been displaced from their homes, with more than 3,000 still unable to return.

Damage was reported at 24,203 facilities across the country, with 27,744 hectares of land inundated or damaged, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.

Surfers ride on waves at a beach in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, where a heat advisory was issued on Aug. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)

Pedestrians struggle to hold onto their umbrellas as heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, poured in the southeastern port city of Busan on Aug. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)

Signs and debris are scattered on the ground in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province, on Aug. 10, 2020, following heavy rains. (Yonhap)

Jamsu Bridge, which connects the southern and northern parts of the Han River in Seoul, has remained inundated for a record 11 days. Pedestrian and car entry to the bridge is restricted when water levels rise over 6.5 meters.

The KMA expected wet weather to continue throughout this week, with another bout of heavy rain forecast for parts of Seoul and Gyeonggi, Gangwon and Chungcheong provinces later this week.

Separately, a heat advisory has been issued for parts of the country, including coastal areas in Gangwon, Daegu and the southern resort island of Jeju, with daytime highs forecast to reach 28 to 35 C.

Seoul was also among the areas where the advisory was issued. A heat warning is issued when the wind chill temperature remains above 33 C for two or more consecutive days or when damage from warm weather is expected.

The mercury was expected to surge above 35 C in the inner areas of Gyeongsang Province and Gangwon's coastal areas, with overnight temperature staying above 25 C in some places.