Cherry blossoms are in full bloom across the country, including Seoul, but rain is forecast for the weekend. Strong wind and rain in Jeju and southern regions could cause blossoms to fall early.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization on Wednesday, visitor numbers to major cherry blossom spots during weekend peak season are typically three to four times higher than usual. Large crowds were expected this weekend as well, but the incoming storm has become a wildcard.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said in its regular briefing Wednesday that rain will spread nationwide over the weekend due to a low-pressure system passing over the South Sea. Rain will begin in Jeju and the Honam region on the evening of April 3, expand nationwide on April 4, and mostly stop by the afternoon.
As the low-pressure system approaches Jeju and the southern coast, hot and humid air will flow in strongly, bringing both heavy rain and strong winds. Jeju's mountainous areas could see torrential rain exceeding 30 mm per hour, while South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang provinces are expected to receive 10 to 20 mm per hour.
Total precipitation over the two days is forecast to reach up to 150 mm or more in Jeju's mountainous areas and 120 mm or more in Jeju's mid-mountain zones. Gwangju, South Jeolla, Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang are expected to receive 20 to 60 mm. The Chungcheong, North Jeolla, Daegu, and North Gyeongsang regions could see 10 to 40 mm, while Seoul, Incheon, and northern Gyeonggi Province are forecast to receive 5 to 20 mm.
Heavy rain advisories may be issued for Jeju's mountain areas, and rough seas are expected in the South Sea as well as the southern parts of the West and East seas. Flights and ferries serving Jeju and other island areas could face disruptions, and travelers are advised to check schedules in advance.
The strong wind and rain are highly likely to cause a mass shedding of petals from fully bloomed cherry trees, and festival structures are also at risk of wind damage.
The rain will not end there this week. Another trough of low pressure moving from the north on April 5 and 6 could bring rain across the country again. Depending on the trough's path, rainfall could extend to southern regions, and depending on its intensity, it may be accompanied by gusts, thunder, and hail.
Temperatures are expected to remain near or slightly above seasonal averages for the time being, but an influx of cold upper-level air from April 6 to 8 could bring a brief cool spell.
