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South Korea's monsoon season intensifies, spreading nationwide on Friday

2025/06/20 17:00

The monsoon formally made landfall here in South Korea on this Friday and for those of you in the Greater Seoul region looking to make the evening commute back home do take care on the road. Our Kim Jung-sil covers the weather. The monsoon season has officially begun in South Korea, bringing scattered showers, strong winds, and thunderstorms, with conditions intensifying throughout the day. Heavy rain advisories and warnings are in effect for the capital region, northern Gangwon-do, and parts of Chungcheongnam-do provinces, where rainfall rates could reach as high as 50 millimeters per hour. By the end of the day, the monsoon will gradually spread nationwide, with the authorities warning of heavy rainfall across the country. "The rain currently falling will be recorded as the first monsoon rain of the year, and it will gradually expand nationwide. By tonight, both central and southern regions will officially enter the monsoon season." With rainfall expected to reach up to 50 millimeters per hour, authorities are warning drivers of extremely dangerous conditions. "If rain exceeds 50 millimeters per hour, driving becomes impossible, as the rain hitting the windshield of a fast-moving vehicle can reduce visibility to almost zero, making it extremely difficult to see." The authorities are also warning of localized flooding and heavy downpours, particularly in central and southern regions, as the rainfall intensifies. While the rain is expected to ease in central areas by Saturday afternoon, some parts of Jeju Island and the south may continue to experience rain through Sunday. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

[Weather] Widespread heavy monsoon rains

2025/06/20 10:00

The monsoon season has begun with torrential downpours across the country. Intense rain clouds are passing over the capital area, and northern Gangwon-do, dropping heavy rain this morning with heavy rain alerts being issued in those areas. Winds will also pick up from this afternoon. Until Saturday, the central region and Jeollabuk-do can expect over 150 millimeters of rain, with Seoul expected to receive up to 120 millimeters mostly today. So, the central regions will receive downpours today, but the southern regions will receive heavy rain mostly tomorrow. Gangneung and Jeonju had a tropical night with overnight temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius; meanwhile, daytime highs in most parts will be nearly 10 degrees lower than yesterday's mid-summer heat. The rain in the central region will mostly let up by Saturday afternoon. However, rain in the southern region and Jeju will continue into early next week. Please stay safe!

Mexico begins cleanup after Hurricane Erick hits southern coast

2025/06/20 10:00

Communities along Mexico's southern Pacific coast are working to recover after Hurricane Erick made landfall, battering Oaxaca and Guerrero with heavy rainfall and flooding. Erick reached the southern Mexican coast early Thursday as a Category 3 hurricane with 205 kilometers per hour winds, then weakened as it moved inland. The storm brought torrential rain, reaching up to 41 centimeters in parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero, triggering widespread flash floods and landslides in the mountainous zones. Streets in the tourist town of Puerto Escondido are filled with debris, and power lines are down. Around 2,000 temporary shelters were set up in the states of Chiapas , Guerrero, and Oaxaca for those who have left their homes. President Claudia Sheinbaum had urged people to stay home and advised those living in 저지대 or near rivers to seek shelter. No fatalities or injuries have been reported. While cleanup and restoration are underway, Erick is expected to weaken further and dissipate by late Thursday or early Friday.

[Weather] Rainy season starts across the country, heavy rain is forecast

2025/06/19 20:00

The heat is at its peak today. The daytime temperature in Seoul rose up to 33 degrees Celsius, Wonju, Cheongju, and Gyeongju 34 degrees, which is even higher than at the same time yesterday. Rain will spread to the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheongbuk-do province, and Jeollanam-do Province tonight and spread all over the country tomorrow. Heavy rain of up to 150 millimeters is expected in northern parts of Gyeonggi-do Province, Gangwon-do Province, Chungcheongnam-do Province, and Jeollabuk-do Province, and 120 millimeters or more in other Seoul metropolitan area. Tomorrow morning will start warm at around 22 to 23 degrees all over the country. Daily highs will move up to 25 degrees in Seoul, Chuncheon and Busan, 28 degrees in Jeju. Rain in the central parts of the country will gradually stop on Saturday, but this rainy season will continue in the south for the time being. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Rainy season across the country, heavy rain is expected

2025/06/19 17:00

Ahead of the rainy season, the heat has become stronger. The lowest temperature in Gangneung last night was 26-point-5 degrees Celsius, the first tropical night of the year. The daytime temperature in Seoul rose up to 33 degrees, Wonju, Cheongju, and Gyeongju 34 degrees with humid conditions. Today and tomorrow, the whole country will gradually enter the rainy season. Heavy rain of up to 150 millimeters is expected in northern parts of Gyeonggi-do Province, Gangwon-do Province, Chungcheongnam-do Province, and Jeollabuk-do Province. Please be prepared in advance. Tomorrow morning will start warm at around 22 to 23 degrees all over the country. Daily highs will move up to 25 degrees in Seoul, Chuncheon and Busan, 29 degrees in Daegu. Rain in the central parts of the country will gradually stop on Saturday morning, but it will continue in southern parts of the country and Jeju Island until Sunday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Once-in-a-century flooding swamps south China's Huaiji County

2025/06/19 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Huaiji County in China's Guangdong Province is facing a 'once-in-a-century' flooding and mass evacuations, after heavy rainfall caused by Typhoon Wutip caused the Suijiang River to burst its banks. As of around 7 AM on Wednesday, the Huaiji hydrometric station recorded a peak river level at its highest ever recorded, some 5.22 meters above the warning threshold. Along the river, 7.8 kilometers of levees have been breached. Flooding has hit 19 towns, affecting around 300,000 residents, with more than 68,000 evacuated. Over half the county's roads are submerged, power and internet are down in many areas, and schools and businesses remain closed. More than 10,000 rescuers have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents. In Indonesia, dozens of flights have been canceled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Tuesday. The volcano on Flores Island erupted at around 5:35 PM local time, sending a massive ash cloud over 10 kilometers into the sky, visible up to 150 kilometers away. Authorities have raised the alert to the highest Level 4. The ash cloud prompted the cancelation and delay of flights to and from Bali's international airport. The airport in Flores also closed temporarily. Several villages near the volcano were evacuated. While no injuries have been reported, ash is falling on homes and roads, and is contaminating water supplies. According to experts, ash clouds pose serious risks to jet engines, and could linger depending on wind. They also cautioned about potential lava flows and mudslides if rain follows. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing criticism at home after saying on Tuesday that Israel is doing the West's "dirty work" by striking Iran's nuclear facilities. Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Merz praised Israel's actions as "courageous," saying he has the "greatest respect" for its military campaign against Iran. The comments have stirred backlash among German lawmakers and human-rights advocates. Critics argue Merz is normalizing targeted strikes that bypass international diplomacy and risk violating international law. However, Merz defended his stance, saying he stands by his remarks, though he declined to address criticisms directly. On Fano Island, off Denmark's southwestern coast, more than 5,000 kite enthusiasts from over 26 countries are taking part in the 40th anniversary of the island's international kite festival. Fano Island is uniquely positioned for the festival with its 16-kilometer length, 3-kilometer width, and reliable winds, making it ideal for kite flying. The festival runs from June 19 to 22, and family-friendly events, including workshops and demonstrations, will be offered. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Monsoon rain begins inland today, but intense heat during the day

2025/06/19 10:00

Today marks the beginning of this summer's first monsoon rains for inland areas. Rain will begin on Jeju Island this morning, then spread to parts of the southern regions this afternoon before reaching the central region by tonight. Be on alert, as we're expecting heavy downpours in many parts of the country starting tomorrow afternoon. Until Saturday, the capital area and Gangwon-do could see up to 120 millimeters of rain. Before the rain fully sets in, the heat will continue. It will be hotter today. Seoul will climb to 33 degrees, Wonju in Gangwon-do and Gyeongju will soar to 34 degrees under sunny skies. Daejeon and Daegu will be as hot as Seoul, and Gwangju will get up to 30 degrees Celsius. Monsoon rain in the central region will stop on Saturday, but it's expected to continue into early next week in the southern regions. Stay safe and prepared!

World News 2: Bali flights cancelled after Indonesia volcano erupts

2025/06/19 10:00

In Indonesia, dozens of flights have been canceled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Tuesday. The volcano on Flores Island erupted at around 5:35 PM local time, sending a massive ash cloud over 10 kilometers into the sky, visible up to 150 kilometers away. Authorities have raised the alert to the highest Level 4. The ash cloud prompted the cancelation and delay of flights to and from Bali's international airport. The airport in Flores also closed temporarily. Several villages near the volcano were evacuated. While no injuries have been reported, ash is falling on homes and roads, and is contaminating water supplies. According to experts, ash clouds pose serious risks to jet engines, and could linger depending on wind. They also cautioned about potential lava flows and mudslides if rain follows.

Once-in-a-century flooding swamps south China's Huaiji County

2025/06/19 10:00

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. Huaiji County in China's Guangdong Province is facing a 'once-in-a-century' flooding and mass evacuations, after heavy rainfall caused by Typhoon Wutip caused the Suijiang River to burst its banks. As of around 7 AM on Wednesday, the Huaiji hydrometric station recorded a peak river level at its highest ever recorded, some 5.22 meters above the warning threshold. Along the river, 7.8 kilometers of levees have been breached. Flooding has hit 19 towns, affecting around 300,000 residents, with more than 68,000 evacuated. Over half the county's roads are submerged, power and internet are down in many areas, and schools and businesses remain closed. More than 10,000 rescuers have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents.

[Weather] The weather gets hotter and hotter, rain in the second half of the week

2025/06/18 20:00

The summer heat is getting stronger and stronger all over the country. Today, the daytime temperature in Seoul rose up to 31 degrees Celsius and it will rise to 32 degrees tomorrow. Please take care not to get any heat-related illnesses under such hot conditions. The rainy season will begin in inland areas in the second half of the week. It will rain in the central parts of the country and Jeollabuk-do Province from tomorrow night. Heavy rain is forecast across the country on Friday. Up to 80 millimeters of rain is expected in northern parts of Gyeonggi-do Province and northern parts of Gangwon-do Province and 10 to 60 millimeters in other regions. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Jeju will start off at 22 degrees, Chuncheon at 18 degrees. Highs will move up to 32 degrees in Seoul and Daejeon, 34 degrees in Gyeongju. Rain in the central parts of the country will continue until the weekend. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Temperatures are getting hotter and hotter

2025/06/18 17:00

The heat is continuing across the country. It's going to get hotter and hotter. The daytime temperature in Seoul rose up to 31 degrees Celsius today and will rise to 32 degrees tomorrow. You should be careful to avoid heat-related illnesses under such hot conditions. In the second half of the week, inland areas will also enter the rainy season. It will rain in the central parts of the country and Jeollabuk-do Province from tomorrow night. On Friday, heavy rain is expected across the country. Up to 80 millimeters of rain is forecast in northern parts of Gyeonggi-do Province and northern parts of Gangwon-do Province, with 10 to 60 millimeters in other areas. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Jeju will start off at 22 degrees, Daejeon at 20 degrees. Highs will move up to 32 degrees in Seoul and Daejeon, 33 degrees in Chuncheon and Daegu. Rain in the central parts of the country will stop on the weekend. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Peak heat this week, then monsoon

2025/06/18 10:00

The heat is truly building day by day, and it's going to be a very warm one. The capital will see the peak of this week's heat on Thursday climbing to 32 degrees. Daegu soars to even warmer daytime highs. Remember to stay well-hydrated. The sun will be extremely strong as well, with very high UV levels expected, Seoul seeing a high of 31 degrees, Gwangju at 32 degrees. Meanwhile, following the start of the monsoon season on Jeju Island last week, monsoon rain will begin in both central and southern regions later this week. Be prepared for a strong start, as heavy rainfall is expected from the outset. The monsoon rains will begin in the central region tomorrow night, then expand to most other areas by Friday. Northern Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do can expect up to 80 millimeters of rain, while other regions will see around 60 millimeters. So please get ready for the monsoon and stay safe in the heat today!

[Weather] Temperatures will get higher with high humidity

2025/06/17 20:00

Today, the daytime temperature rose to 29 degrees Celsius in Seoul. It will get hotter tomorrow at 31 degrees and it'll reach 32 degrees the day after tomorrow. For the time being, daytime temperatures will stay at around 30 degrees around the inland areas. With high humidity, it feels even hotter than the actual readings. In addition, the ultraviolet index is also strong from the morning. It will start at high to very high levels in the morning, then soar to very high levels all over the country in the afternoon. Sun protection is necessary under the sunshine. Tomorrow morning will be very similar to today at around 20 to 21 degrees in most parts of the country. Highs will move up to 33 degrees in Daegu and Gyeongju, 29 degrees in Jeju. Rain is forecast from Thursday night for central parts of the country and western parts of Jeollabuk-do Province, then it will spread nationwide on Friday and Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Temperatures will get higher from now on, high UV rays

2025/06/17 17:00

Unlike yesterday, it will get hotter and hotter from today. Today's daytime temperature in Seoul rose up to 29 degrees Celsius, which is about 4 degrees higher than yesterday. As heat with humid air comes in, it will rise to 31 degrees tomorrow. And it feels even hotter than the actual readings across the country. With summer heat, the ultraviolet index is also strong from the morning. It will start at high to very high levels in the morning, then soar to very high levels all over the country in the afternoon. Please stay out of the sunshine when it gets to its peak. Tomorrow morning will start warm at around 20 to 21 degrees in most parts of the country. Highs will move up to 32 degrees in Gwangju, 26 degrees in Busan. Rain is expected from Thursday night for central parts of the country and western parts of Jeollabuk-do Province, then it will spread nationwide on Friday and Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Heavy rains in dry season kill at least 29 in DR Congo's capital

2025/06/17 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, heavy weekend rains in the capital Kinshasa have triggered floods and landslides that have claimed at least 29 lives. Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba said on Sunday local time that sudden downpours, unusually heavy for the dry season, dumped nearly 90 millimeters of rain across the city on Saturday. Drone footage on Monday showed the devastation as the storm overwhelmed drainage systems and walls. Roads and bridges have been swept away, and many neighborhoods saw power outages. Rescues are underway, with affected residents relocated to temporary shelters. Kinshasa lies on the Congo River, and many residents live in areas vulnerable to flooding. More than 30 people died in Kinshasa in April, also due to flash floods. Denmark has launched a trial of uncrewed robotic saildrones, nicknamed "Voyagers," to enhance maritime surveillance across the Baltic and North Seas. Two of the Voyagers, built by California-based company Saildrone, were deployed by Denmark's armed forces on Monday from the port of Koge, south of the capital Copenhagen. The 10-meter-long unmanned surface drones, which resemble ordinary sailboats, are powered by wind and solar energy and are equipped with radar, optical, and infrared cameras, as well as sonar and acoustic sensors for monitoring purposes. They are set to patrol Danish and NATO waters autonomously for three months. Their operation follows testing in early June, when two Voyagers joined NATO's maritime patrols. Saildrone's founder and CEO said the vessels provide a "full picture of what's above and below the surface" to about 30 to 50 kilometers in the open ocean. The Trump Organization, led by U.S. President Donald Trump's two sons, unveiled a new mobile network named "Trump Mobile" on Monday. The service launches on the 10th anniversary of Trump's presidential campaign announcement. It is priced at 47 U.S. dollars 45 cents per month, symbolically referencing Trump's positions as the 45th and 47th president. The offering includes the T1 Phone, a gold-hued Android smartphone priced at 499 dollars, made in the U.S., targeting conservative consumers seeking an American-made alternative. The phone is set for release in August or September. The 2025 Paris Air Show kicked off at the Le Bourget airport on Monday local time, displaying various civilian and military aerial vehicles. However, France has ordered the closure of four major Israeli defense companies' stands after exhibitors refused to stop displaying attack weapons, citing the escalation in the Gaza conflict. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned it as "outrageous and unprecedented," accusing Paris of politically motivated discrimination. He went on to compare the blacked-out booths to a "Jewish ghetto." The Paris Air Show will be open to the public until June 20. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Hot and humid with a chance of sudden showers

2025/06/17 10:00

Yesterday was a day you needed an umbrella and sunglasses, and with that unpleasant high humidity. Today looks like being a combination of heat and humidity. Readings will only go up heading towards the end of the week, with an expected high of 32 degrees in the capital on Thursday. Sudden showers could pop up from morning to evening, mainly in inland regions. Gangwon-do and Chungcheong-do could see 5 to 20 millimeters, while southern regions might get heavier downpours of up to 30 to 40 millimeters along with strong wind and thunderstorms. Checking on today's highs now, Seoul will get up to 29 degrees, Daegu at 31 degrees. Jeju will be rain-free today with a high of 29 degrees. Looking ahead, nationwide rain is in the forecast on Friday, which is when there's a possibility of the first summer monsoon rains reaching inland areas.

Heavy rains in dry season kill at least 29 in DR Congo's capital

2025/06/17 10:00

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. Starting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, heavy weekend rains in the capital Kinshasa have triggered floods and landslides that have claimed at least 29 lives. Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba said on Sunday local time that sudden downpours, unusually heavy for the dry season, dumped nearly 90 millimeters of rain across the city on Saturday. Drone footage on Monday showed the devastation as the storm overwhelmed drainage systems and walls. Roads and bridges have been swept away, and many neighborhoods saw power outages. Rescues are underway, with affected residents relocated to temporary shelters. Kinshasa lies on the Congo River, and many residents live in areas vulnerable to flooding. More than 30 people died in Kinshasa in April, also due to flash floods.

[Weather] Most of rain will stop by tonight, hot conditions remain tomorrow

2025/06/16 20:00

The heavy rain has finally taken a break across the country. However, showers are expected in the inland areas tomorrow. There will be around 5 to 30 millimeters in Gangwon-do Province and the southern regions. Those in areas that have already seen a lot of rain will need to be careful. The first heat wave warning of the year for the Seoul metropolitan area was issued yesterday. Daytime temperatures will rise to around 30 degrees Celsius in inland areas for the time being. It is important to take care not to get any heat-related diseases in this hot weather. Tomorrow morning will start warm at around 19 to 23 degrees Celsius all over the country. Highs will move up to 30 degrees in Seoul, 29 degrees in Chuncheon and Jeju. Starting with the central parts of the country on Thursday night, more rain is forecast nationwide on Friday and Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Most of rain will stop tonight, hot conditions remain for the time being

2025/06/16 17:00

For a few days, heavy rain has been falling across the country, mainly on the south and Jeju Island. Even though most of the rain had already stopped earlier this afternoon, rain keeps falling in parts of Gangwon-do Province until tonight. Showers are forecast for the inland areas tomorrow. There will be at least 5 millimeters to as much as 30 millimeters in Gangwon-do Province and the southern regions. Yesterday, the first heat wave warning was issued in the Seoul metropolitan area this year. For the time being, daytime temperatures will rise to around 30 degrees Celsius in inland areas. Please take care not to get any heat-related illnesses in this hot weather. Tomorrow morning will start warm at around 19 to 23 degrees all over the country. Highs will move up to 30 degrees in Seoul, 31 degrees in Gwangju, Daegu, and Gyeongju. Starting with the central parts of the country on Thursday night, it will rain nationwide on Friday and Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Heavy rain through this afternoon with heat and humidity

2025/06/16 10:00

We're in for a day of heavy rain in many parts of the country. We saw downpours overnight in parts of the central region, with heavy rain advisories issued. Rain is pounding down on Jeju, which is under a heavy rain advisory with around 20 millimeters per hour until this morning before it tapers off. The rest of the country will see rain until this afternoon. The southern coast can expect 10 to 40 millimeters of rain, while the capital area and Chungcheong-do provinces could see 5 to 20 millimeters. Once the rain clears, we'll see blue skies emerge through the clouds, and the sun will be strong. Seoul and Gwangju will reach 28 degrees. Daegu at 30 degrees but high humidity could make it feel muggier. Temperatures will be around 30 degrees Celsius for the time being, and we also have more rain in the forecast for later in the week. Nationwide rain is in the forecast for Friday and Saturday. Stay safe in the rain and heat!