The face of early summer, a weekend scene of 30-degree heat and thunderstorms coexisting > News

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecast, the highest temperature this Sunday will range between 25 and 31 degrees, and a heat wave slightly higher than average is expected to blanket the country. Most areas across the country, except Yeongdong, Gangwon-do, are recording temperatures around 30 degrees, and citizens in the city are already enjoying summer by visiting Han River parks and beaches to cool off from the heat. This high temperature phenomenon has already been observed nationwide since Saturday, and in some regions, such as Daegu, the highest daytime temperature soared to 32 degrees, giving off heat reminiscent of midsummer. As the air spreads smoothly, the concentration of fine dust is maintained at a 'good' to 'average' level nationwide, so the air quality is clean, but strong direct sunlight and high temperatures are factors that need to be kept in mind when managing one's health.

Starting in the afternoon when the heat builds up, atmospheric instability is maximized and rain is expected throughout the country. Sudden showers are expected to fall between the afternoon and evening, mainly in the central region, Jeonbuk, northern Jeonnam, and western Gyeongsang Province, while rain is expected to continue until late at night in the southeastern Gyeonggi Province and southern Gangwon inland. In particular, strong rain of up to 20 mm per hour is likely to be concentrated in western areas such as the Seoul metropolitan area, South Chungcheong area, and Jeolla area, which may lead to flooding of roads or drastically reduced visibility within a short period of time. Due to the nature of showers, there is a very large difference in precipitation between regions, so even if you see clear skies right now, it is essential to bring an umbrella in case of sudden rain.

This shower is expected to be somewhat rough and noisy, going beyond simple rain and accompanied by gusts of wind, thunder, and lightning. Meteorological authorities are warning of the possibility of hail falling as cold air in the upper layers of the atmosphere strongly collides with hot air in the lower layers. There is a high risk that such bad weather will lead to damage to facilities or safety accidents, so citizens engaged in outdoor activities such as outdoor camping or festivals must prepare for unexpected situations. Additionally, as visibility becomes shorter and road surfaces can become very slippery during rain showers, drivers need to be wise to drive slower than usual and keep a safe distance to prevent collisions.

Meanwhile, many people are enjoying leisurely outdoor activities in nature on the weekend, such as the '2026 Camping Cooking Festival' held at Pyeonghwa Nuri Camping Site in Paju, Gyeonggi-do on the 12th. However, you should be aware that changeable weather can be an unexpected variable in this enjoyable routine. It is important not to let down your guard just because the temperature is high. It is important to check weather radar information and real-time forecasts regularly and ensure safe travel routes. Especially on the west coast, there are many places where thick fog forms between dawn and morning, requiring special attention to traffic safety, so it is best to take more time than usual on weekend outings.