Spring Rain Sweeps Korea as Western Regions Battle Poor Air Quality

Rain will spread across South Korea on Wednesday as the nation experiences mostly cloudy skies, with precipitation beginning in the Chungcheong and Jeolla regions, western Gyeongsang Province, and Jeju Island from early morning.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rainfall areas will expand to most parts of the country between morning and afternoon. The mountainous areas of Gangwon Province, where temperatures are lower, may see rain or snow. Rain is expected to continue until nighttime along the southern coast and Jeju Island.

Jeju Island is forecast to receive 10 to 50 millimeters of rainfall, with mountainous areas and other topographically affected locations potentially seeing over 70 millimeters. Southern South Jeolla Province, Busan, and the southern coast of South Gyeongsang Province are expected to receive 10 to 30 millimeters.

Gwangju, northern South Jeolla, North Jeolla, Ulsan, and inland South Gyeongsang Province will see approximately 5 to 20 millimeters. Daejeon, Sejong, and the Chungcheong provinces are forecast to receive 5 to 10 millimeters, while the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Province, Daegu, and North Gyeongsang Province will see less than 5 millimeters. Reduced visibility and slippery road conditions are expected in areas experiencing rainfall.

Temperatures will remain near seasonal averages without significant cold. Morning temperatures are expected to range from 1 to 10 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs of 9 to 14 degrees Celsius.

However, due to stagnant air conditions and fine dust inflows, air quality in the Seoul metropolitan area, western Gangwon Province, and the Chungcheong region will remain at "unhealthy" levels. The Yeongnam and Honam regions will also experience temporarily poor air quality through the morning, while other areas will maintain "moderate" levels.

Wave heights in coastal waters are forecast at 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the East Sea and 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the Yellow Sea and South Sea. Offshore wave heights are expected to reach 0.5 to 2.5 meters in the Yellow Sea and 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the East and South Seas.