[Anchor]
The unprecedented heat wave has finally abated. Heat wave warnings across the country have been lifted, but the remaining concern is the severe drought. Attention is now focused on whether Typhoon Chan-hom, which is set to make landfall in Japan, will leave behind rain clouds over the Korean Peninsula.
For our first news report, Jeong Gu-hui has the details.
[Reporter]
This afternoon (August 10) in downtown Seoul, scorching sunlight and sweltering heat continued, but citizens looked much more at ease compared to last week when high temperatures hovered around 40°C (104°F).
[Park Seong-bin / Yangcheon-gu, Seoul: It was so hot that I felt dizzy, but it has cooled down enough that I can run for an hour straight without any trouble.]
Today, temperatures reached 34.3°C (94°F) in Seoul and 32.2°C (90°F) in Gwangju, with western regions experiencing heat around 33°C (91°F). Meanwhile, the heat wave receded in eastern regions, with Daegu recording 29.6°C (85°F) and Gangneung 26.7°C (80°F).
With heat wave warnings previously issued nationwide lifted today, only heat wave advisories remain in place for the Seoul metropolitan area, South Chungcheong Province, the Honam region, and other areas.
Of the dual high-pressure systems that had been blanketing South Korea, the upper-level high-pressure system has moved northwestward, while the lower-level system now has its center positioned to the north.
Following the clockwise rotation of the high-pressure system, northeasterly winds are blowing into South Korea. Because these originate from the north and are relatively cool, the intensity of the heat wave has broken.
As easterly winds cross over the mountain ranges, western regions like Seoul and Gwangju will continue to see temperatures hovering around 33°C (91°F) this week. However, due to the influx of cool northeasterly winds, there will be no repeat of last week's blistering heat reaching around 40°C (104°F).
This weather pattern is expected to persist until Wednesday.
The major variable is the typhoon making landfall in Japan tomorrow.
As seen on satellite imagery, Typhoon Chan-hom, the 15th typhoon, has not developed significantly—to the point where its spiral eye structure is barely visible.
The typhoon is projected to make landfall in eastern Japan tomorrow, where its structure is expected to completely collapse and dissipate upon hitting land.
What will affect South Korea is what happens afterward.
The masses of water vapor left behind by the typhoon are forecast to move out toward the East Sea. Because of this moisture, rain could fall in the eastern coastal areas and the Gyeongsang region around Thursday.
Current forecasts suggest the rainfall is unlikely to be heavy, but we will need to closely monitor the process as the typhoon dissipates and breaks apart in Japan tomorrow.
(VJ: Shin So-young, Video Editing: Lee So-young, Design: Seo Seung-hyun)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.