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Man killed in Muan as torrential rainfall lashes S. Korea; new normal disaster?

2025/08/04 22:38

Torrential rains swept across the nation over the weekend, killing one person in the southern county of Muan. This recent pattern of extreme rainfall followed by heatwaves, experts say, may be the new normal. Our Park Kun-woo reports. One man died on Sunday evening as heavy rain pounded the southern regions of South Korea. The man in his 60s was killed in Muan after being swept away while trying to redirect floodwaters away from his greenhouse. Over 142 millimeters of rain fell in just one hour in Muan-gun County , in Jeollanam-do Province, making it one of the heaviest hourly rainfalls recorded since related data was first compiled in 1973. Muan, on average, sees annual rain of around 1-thousand-3-hundred millimeters, meaning just over 10 percent of that fell in a single hour. "A massive amount of moisture had already been present near the Korean peninsula, with a high-pressure system expanding from the Pacific after the typhoon passed, along with cold, dry air pushing down. Moisture was funneled through a narrow path, triggering intense downpours." The expert also said Korea's recent pattern of extreme rainfall followed by scorching heat, which in the past only occurred in mountainous areas, should now be seen as the "new normal." He added the importance of being prepared. "Acting quickly when alerts are issued, like securing evacuation spaces in advance and following official guidance without hesitation, is important. Some people still think it won't happen to them, but that mindset can be dangerous." And he also said potential damage from not believing a warning far outweighs the inconvenience of a false alarm. Though heavy rain alerts for areas, including Gwangju, were lifted on Monday morning, more downpours are expected across the country throughout this week. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Man killed in Muan as torrential rainfall lashes S. Korea; new normal disaster?

2025/08/04 19:38

Heavy rain in the southern part of the country starting this past Sunday has taken at least one life. Our Park Kun-woo has details. One man died on Sunday evening as heavy rain pounded the southern regions of South Korea. The man in his 60s was killed in Muan after being swept away while trying to redirect floodwaters away from his greenhouse. Over 142 millimeters of rain fell in just one hour in Muan-gun County , in Jeollanam-do Province, making it one of the heaviest hourly rainfalls recorded since related data was first compiled in 1973. Muan, on average, sees annual rain of around 1-thousand-3-hundred millimeters, meaning just over 10 percent of that fell in a single hour. "A massive amount of moisture had already been present near the Korean peninsula, with a high-pressure system expanding from the Pacific after the typhoon passed, along with cold, dry air pushing down. Moisture was funneled through a narrow path, triggering intense downpours." The expert also said Korea's recent pattern of extreme rainfall followed by scorching heat, which in the past only occurred in mountainous areas, should now be seen as the "new normal." He added the importance of being prepared. "Acting quickly when alerts are issued, like securing evacuation spaces in advance and following official guidance without hesitation, is important. Some people still think it won't happen to them, but that mindset can be dangerous." And he also said potential damage from not believing a warning far outweighs the inconvenience of a false alarm. Though heavy rain alerts for areas, including Gwangju, were lifted on Monday morning, more downpours are expected across the country throughout this week. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

1 man killed in Muan as torrential rainfall lashes S. Korea

2025/08/04 12:34

A man in his 60s has died after being swept away by heavy rain that hit South Korea's southern county of Muan. Authorities continue to be on high alert.. as more rain is expected in regions including Gyeongsangnam-do province. Our Park Kun-woo has the latest. One man died on Sunday evening as heavy rain pounded the southern regions of South Korea. The man in his 60s was killed in Muan after being swept away while trying to redirect floodwaters away from his greenhouse. Over 142 millimeters of rain fell in just one hour in Muan-gun County, in Jeollanam-do Province, making it one of the heaviest hourly rainfalls recorded since related data was first compiled in 1973. Muan sees an annual rain of around 1-thousand-3-hundred millimeters, meaning just over 10 percent of that fell in a single hour. To put this into perspective, rainfall above 30 millimeters an hour can make car wipers ineffective, while 100 millimeters is enough to make vehicles float. Due to heavy rain, around 2-thousand-5-hundred residents in southern regions, including Busan and the surrounding Gyeongsangnam-do Province, were also forced to evacuate, with evacuations still underway. Flooding submerged underground parking lots and caused power outages in apartment complexes. Parking at a number of national parks and riverside areas has also been restricted. President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday night called for swift and preemptive action, urging authorities to prioritize rapid response over procedural reporting to minimize damage. He also expressed concern for regions still recovering from last month's floods and vowed to stay on top of the ongoing situation. Though heavy rain alerts for areas, including Gwangju, were lifted on Monday morning, more downpours in regions like Gyeongsangnam-do are expected. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Heatwave eases but muggy with more rain in store

2025/08/04 11:37

An early morning breeze in the capital area made things feel much more comfortable this morning. In fact, heat alerts have been lifted in most regions. However, the heavy rain clouds that moved towards the east are dropping heavy showers in the Gyeongsang-do provinces, with heavy rain alerts in place. Gyeongsang-do and parts of Jeollanam-do could get up to 80 millimeters, the rest of the southern provinces seeing 20 to 60 millimeters. Here in the capital area could see 5 to 10 millimeters of rain through tomorrow morning. And this afternoon, Seoul gets up to 30 degrees Celsius, a couple of degrees lower than Sunday, Gwangju will be much warmer today, topping out at 33 degrees Celsius this afternoon. Skies will be mostly clear tomorrow afternoon, but scattered showers are in the forecast nationwide. On Wednesday, rain will return across the country, with heavy downpours expected in the central region. So the heat won't be as intense as last week!

Volcano erupts for the first time in more than 600 years in Russia's Far East

2025/08/04 11:36

The Kra-she-nin-ni-kov volcano on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula erupted on Sunday, marking its first confirmed eruption in approximately 600 years. The eruption began around 6 AM local time, sending an ash plume up to 6 kilometers into the sky. The event followed a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake on July 29 and was accompanied by a 7.0-magnitude aftershock, leading many scientists to suggest that seismic triggering had contributed to the eruption. While eruption intensity is decreasing, moderate explosive activity may continue. Scientists traced the last eruption to around 1463, with an estimated margin of error of plus or minus 40 years.

Hot days and nights over the weekend, relief next week

2025/08/01 22:46

Let's begin with some welcome news. Rain early next week will bring a slight break from the ongoing heatwave, especially to the western regions. But that means another steamy weekend. This morning, Seoul once again broke the record for the most tropical nights in the month of July, with 23 sweaty nights. And of course, August is starting off under sweltering heat as well. Meanwhile, some parts of Gangwon-do Province have seen those warnings downgraded or even lifted, including in Taebaek. The rest of the country will sleep in the heat again. Seoul begins the day at 27 degrees, Jeju warmer at 28 degrees. By the afternoon, Seoul will get up to 35 degrees, Daegu and Gyeongju will see a high of 37 along with very strong UV levels. Expect some scattered showers in parts of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces tomorrow. Until that rain relief comes, take care in this extreme heat! That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

Sweltering heat day and night, heat relief next week

2025/08/01 19:42

August started off under sweltering heat, but there is some welcome news. Rain early next week will bring a slight break from the ongoing heatwave, especially to the western regions. But that means another steamy weekend. This morning, Seoul once again broke the record for the most tropical nights in the month of July, 23 sweaty nights. Meanwhile, some parts of Gangwon-do Province have seen those warnings downgraded or even lifted, including Taebaek. The rest of the country will sleep in the heat again. Seoul begins the day at 27 degrees, Gyeongju and Chuncheon at 24 degrees. By the afternoon, Seoul will get up to 35 degrees, Jeju will see a high of 34 degrees, along with very strong UV levels. There could be some scattered showers in parts of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces on Saturday. Until that rain relief comes, take care in this extreme heat! That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

[Weather] Relentless heat continues, welcome relief on the way next week

2025/08/01 11:40

We're in the midst of a record-breaking heatwave. Seoul has now experienced a tropical night for 13 consecutive days, while Seogwipo on Jeju Island has had 17 straight. Heatwave warnings remain in effect across most of the country. Today seems to be a repeat of yesterday's conditions. A bit of cloud coverage was welcome in the capital area yesterday, but blazing sunshine will shine down nationwide today, boosting UV levels to very high levels. By the afternoon, Seoul and Daegu will climb to 36 degrees Celsius, Gwangju and Chuncheon getting up to 35 degrees. Some welcome news! A change is on the way. Rain next week will bring daytime temperatures to the low thirties in the capital area. Until then, if you're feeling drained from the ongoing heat, I mean who isn't take it easy, slow down your pace, and don't forget to drink plenty of water.

New world record announced for length of single flash of lightning

2025/08/01 11:39

Also in the U.S., the World Meteorological Organization officially certified on Thursday a new world record for the longest lightning flash. The bolt during a storm on October 22, 2017 stretched 829 kilometers from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, Missouri. Such a "megaflash" occurs in very large storm complexes, or mesoscale convective systems, that can span hundreds of kilometers and last for hours. It was measured using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's newest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, combined with ground-based lightning networks. This flash surpasses the previous record of 768 kilometers, logged in April 2020, also over the southern U.S. plains.

[Weather] Searing heat with strong UV rays nationwide

2025/07/31 22:41

Searing heat continues to grip the entire nation. Tomorrow brings more of the same — scorching sun, sweltering air, and no sign of relief just yet. The extreme heat will persist, with daytime temperatures once again reaching above 35 degrees in many regions. Many of us in the capital area felt relief today thanks to that cloud coverage. But there will be nothing but sunshine tomorrow with very strong UV rays nationwide. Brace for another sweaty night, and it looks like here in the capital area is having the roughest summer this year with a low of 28 degrees Celsius in Seoul, Daegu begins the day at 24 degrees. By the afternoon, most regions will see highs soaring to 36 degrees Celsius. The intense heat is here to stay. Then, around the middle of next week, rainfall in the central regions may help to ease the extreme heat that's gripped the nation for weeks. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

July marks longest stretch of tropical nights in Seoul for 117 years

2025/07/31 22:38

Hot weather in Korea isn't just a daytime issue, as it lingers well into the night. Seoul experienced 22 tropical nights this July alone, the most for the month in 117 years. Our Park Kun-woo has more. Seoul's summer nights continue to stay hot and longer than usual. At least 22 tropical nights were recorded in Seoul this July. That's the longest period for the month in 117 years since related data first began to be compiled in 1908. A tropical night refers to when the overnight low ---between 6 PM and 9 AM the next day ---does not drop below 25 degrees Celsius. The previous record for the longest stretch of tropical nights in July was set in 1994, with 21. But with one more day left till August in Korea, this year's record may climb further. Adding to the heat, Seoul also logged its highest-ever overnight low for July on Wednesday into Thursday at 29-point-3 degrees. The previous was 29-point-2 degrees, seven years ago, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. "The Tibetan and North Pacific high-pressure systems have overlapped over Korea, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Hot, humid air from the south is also being drawn in, while intense sunlight continues, making scorching days and tropical nights persist." Asked whether this trend may continue due to climate change, the KMA said it's hard to predict as tropical nights are largely driven by variables including complex pressure patterns in the atmosphere. Still, the weather agency forecasts tropical nights to continue for the time being, although some rain is expected after August 6. The authorities are advising people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, including keeping indoor temperatures and humidity moderate, ensuring proper ventilation, staying hydrated, and doing light exercises before bed for a good night's sleep. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Scorching sun, sweltering air continues nationwide

2025/07/31 19:43

The intense heat continues to grip the entire nation. Tomorrow brings more of the same — scorching sun, sweltering air, and no sign of relief just yet. The extreme heat will persist, with daytime temperatures once again reaching above 35 degrees in many regions. Many of us in the capital area felt a lot of relief today thanks to that cloud coverage. But there will be nothing but sunshine tomorrow with very strong UV rays nationwide. Tropical nights are expected to continue. Here in the capital area, it seems like we're having the roughest summer this year with a low of 28 degrees Celsius. Chuncheon and Daejeon begin the day at 25 degrees. By the afternoon, most regions will see highs soaring to 36 degrees Celsius. Then, around the middle of next week, rainfall is expected in the central regions, which may help ease the extreme heat that's gripped the nation for weeks. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

S. Korea records highest number of July tropical nights

2025/07/31 12:35

South Korea saw yet another hot summer night on Wednesday into Thursday, marking a record-breaking number of tropical nights in July, as a prolonged heat wave continues to grip the country. The number of tropical nights this month reached 22, surpassing the 21 recorded in 1994. It's also the longest streak in 117 years, since data was first compiled in 1907. A tropical night occurs when nighttime temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius between 6 PM and 9 AM the following day. With heatwave warnings in place in most parts of the country, the daytime temperature in Seoul is expected to reach 36 degrees today.

Record-breaking tropical nights and intense heat continues

2025/07/31 11:36

It's the last day of July, when the summer heat in Korea usually peaks, but it's been too hot this year. In fact, this year, July's nights have been the hottest on record since observations began. We've had a total of 22 tropical nights up to today. With heatwave alerts remaining in place in almost all regions, afternoon highs will climb above 35 degrees Celsius again. Meanwhile, light rain is expected on Jeju Island until this morning with strong winds, and parts of Gangwon-do and the western coast of Jeollanam-do province can see scattered showers until late this morning. Sunny skies are expected for most regions except in the capital area and Chuncheon. But highs in Seoul, Daejeon and Daegu will all get up to 36 degrees. Gyeongju and Gwangju will top out at 35 degrees. Intense heat will continue through August, so take care in this extreme heat!

Tsunami warnings downgraded as threat to North America recedes

2025/07/31 11:35

Tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Hawaii, Japan, and parts of the U.S. West Coast, have been significantly downgraded as the risk of tsunamis subsides. On Wednesday, an 8.8-magnitude quake struck Russia's Kamchatka coast, prompting tsunami alerts across North America's Pacific coast and other parts of the Pacific. However, the warnings have now been downgraded or removed as the tsunami threat has diminished. Authorities emphasized continued caution and avoiding water because of the ongoing aftershocks and risk of strong currents. Meanwhile, alerts are still in place in Chile, and evacuations had been ordered in parts of Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and the Galapagos Islands.

[Weather] Record breaking tropical nights in Seoul with heat wave warnings everywhere

2025/07/30 23:00

Until yesterday, there had been 21 tropical nights in July in Seoul this year, the same number as in 1994, which was the highest ever. If Seoul has another tropical night tonight, it will break the tie with 1994 and hold the all-time record alone. With hot temperatures even during the night, it is likely that a new record will be set in Seoul. In addition, a strong heat wave has been appearing everywhere, with the heat wave advisory on the east coast of Gyeongsang-do provinces being upgraded to a warning. This summer heat will cover the whole country again tomorrow. It will start warm tomorrow morning again with Seoul at 28 degrees Celsius and Daegu and Gyeongju at 24 degrees. Highs will stay hot at around 35 to 36 degrees in most parts of the country. Scorching heat of around 35 degrees will last until early next week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Record-breaking tropical nights in Seoul, heat wave continues

2025/07/30 19:46

From July 1st to July 29th, there were 21 tropical nights in Seoul, the same number as in 1994, which was the highest ever. If Seoul has another tropical night tonight, it will break the tie with 1994 and hold the all-time record alone. It seems like the steaming heat will not cool down even during the night. Today, a strong heat wave has been raging everywhere, with the heat wave advisory on the east coast of Gyeongsang-do provinces being upgraded to a warning. This scorching heat will continue again throughout the country tomorrow. It will start warm tomorrow morning again with Seoul at 28 degrees Celsius and Chuncheon at 25 degrees. Highs will stay hot at around 35 to 36 degrees in most parts of the country. It is predicted that the heat of around 35 degrees will continue until early next week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Magnitude 8.8 quake in Russia's Far East prompts widespread tsunami warnings

2025/07/30 19:38

An 8-point-8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia's Far East early Wednesday triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation orders across Pacific nations including Japan. Centered on the Kamchatka Peninsula the earthquake ranks as the sixth-strongest ever recorded and generated tsunami waves of up to four meters high. A state of emergency was declared after tsunami waves struck the region prompting the evacuation of nearly three hundred residents. No casualties have been reported thus far. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued alerts for "hazardous tsunami waves" across parts of the Pacific including Hawaii. Authorities in South Korea say no significant impact is expected here.

[Weather] Extreme heat continues on this Jungbok

2025/07/30 11:39

Today is Jungbok, the second of the three hottest days of summer in Korea, known as Sambok. As this period marks the peak of summer heat, heatwave warnings are in place nationwide. Even Taebaek in Gangwon-do Province, known as a "cool zone" due to its typically mild summer temperatures, is now under a heat advisory. Mostly sunny skies will shine down again, but there is a chance of isolated showers this afternoon in the northern parts of Gyeonggi-do and parts of Gangwon-do with 5 to 30 millimeters in the forecast. Many regions will see temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius this afternoon, Seoul and Daegu at 36 degrees Celsius, Daejeon at sweltering 38 degrees! Hot, dry, and mostly clear weather will continue for the time being, with no significant rain in the forecast. Remember to drink water even if you don't feel thirsty, your body needs water to regulate body temperature to cope with the heat.

[On-point] S. Korea experiences hottest summer in decades. What's behind the extreme heat?

2025/07/30 11:36

South Korea is experiencing its hottest weather in decades, with thousands of people affected by heat-related illnesses. For more on what's behind the extreme heat, we're joined by Professor Yoon Jin-Ho, Professor at the School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. Professor Yoon, thanks for joining us this morning. I don't think I remember Seoul ever being this hot. We've seen temperatures well above average over the past few weeks, with intense heatwaves followed by sudden downpours. What's causing this extreme weather? This summer feels very different from what we're used to. Could this be the 'new normal' for summers in South Korea? With the scorching heat likely to persist throughout the summer, how should the government and local authorities prepare for this kind of extreme weather? It's not just the heat that's taking a toll. More than 20 people have died in South Korea due to recent torrential rains. What measures should the government take to prevent future casualties and widespread damage? We're seeing extreme weather all over the world. Temperatures in Europe went over 40 degrees Celsius, and Türkiye even recorded the highest temperature in its history by hitting 50 degrees. But San Francisco is experiencing its coldest summer in decades. What's behind these contrasting weather patterns? We'll have to hope the heatwave ends soon. Alright, Professor Yoon, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.