The ‘19th Busan Port Festival’ held in the North Port area of Busan Port was truly a scene of confrontation and harmony between nature and humans. On the first day of the opening, sudden heavy rain and thick sea fog that made it difficult to see what was ahead hit the festival site, resulting in safety disruptions such as a large number of outdoor programs being canceled or reduced. However, even in the rain, many people carrying raincoats and umbrellas did not leave their seats, and the artists who went on stage responded with passionate live performances in the pouring rain. In particular, the fireworks show that exploded in a dreamy atmosphere mixed with fog and smoke left an afterimage of light instead of a clear shape, giving citizens unforgettable and unique memories. This was an unexpected spectacle created by the citizens’ awareness of not losing the ‘joy of being together’, which is the essence of the festival, even in the face of bad weather.

Meanwhile, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecast, the Korean Peninsula is expected to show a temperature distribution similar to or slightly lower than normal this week as it falls under the influence of cold air coming down from the north. While cloudy skies continue nationwide, showers accompanied by gusty winds, thunder, and lightning are expected to be frequent during the day, especially in the central region and inland Gyeongbuk region. In particular, hail less than 0.5 cm may fall in northern Gyeonggi and Gangwon inland and mountainous areas, so special attention is required to manage facilities and prevent damage to crops. The temperature is between 21 and 28 degrees, so there will be no extreme heat, but please be aware that as the humidity increases after the showers stop, the perceived temperature may feel a bit warmer than the actual temperature.

Those visiting the coast and the sea need to be more prepared. A storm warning has already been issued in the East Sea, and waves as high as 4 meters are rising, posing a major threat to sailing and fishing vessels. In addition, strong waves are hitting the white sand beaches, rocks, and breakwaters of the East Coast, so refraining from approaching the coast is the best way to prevent casualties. In addition, strong winds and high waves are predicted starting from the southern sea of ​​Jeju Island to the eastern sea of ​​the South Sea, so citizens using marine transportation should carefully check flight information in advance. In the case of the West Sea, visibility may be difficult due to thick sea fog, so maritime safety rules must be observed, such as ensuring sufficient safety distance and slowing down when operating ships.

Another variable in the weather situation this week is the movement of typhoons. Typhoon No. 7 ‘Mecala’, which occurred near Guam, is heading north through the Philippine Sea, and is currently expected to turn toward the southern seas of Japan and not have a direct impact on the Korean Peninsula. However, it is too early to be reassured as the size and course of the typhoon are flexible. As Typhoon No. 6 ‘Jangmi’, which occurred earlier, issued a typhoon warning in the distant sea and was recorded as the first ‘impact typhoon’ of the year, we must always keep open the possibility of being indirectly affected by the typhoon. The habit of frequently checking real-time radar images and the latest weather information from the Korea Meteorological Administration is the most reliable line of defense to protect personal safety and property from unexpected natural disasters.