The summer monsoon season began in Jeju yesterday (June 30) and in the southern regions today (July 1).

This marks the third-latest start to the monsoon season since weather observations began.

However, residents should be prepared as heavy rain is expected from the very beginning.

From early morning through the afternoon today, heavy rain of 20 to 50mm per hour is expected, particularly in coastal areas of South Jeolla Province and Jeju Island.

Looking at the precipitation forecast, the mountainous regions of Jeju could see over 180mm of rain, while other parts of Jeju may receive up to 100mm. Coastal areas of South Jeolla Province are expected to see up to 80mm of rainfall.

Other southern regions will see between 5 and 40mm of rain.

Meanwhile, some areas in the Seoul metropolitan region and Gangwon Province may experience brief showers this afternoon.

Heatwaves will continue, mainly in the central regions, with temperatures in Seoul and Chuncheon expected to reach 33°C (91°F).

The monsoon rain will temporarily ease on Thursday before continuing through the latter part of the week. The rain is expected to expand to the Chungcheong region by Saturday, but it remains to be seen when the monsoon season will officially begin in the central regions.

(Weather Caster Nam Yu-jin)