Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Scorching West, Chilly East Coast & Strong Winds – KBS Forecast

Korea’s weather forecast for June 24, 2026 shows a sharp divide between scorching western regions and heavy rain along the eastern coast, with marine warnings issued for coastal areas.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), temperatures in the western half of the peninsula—including Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi—will reach 30°C (86°F) or higher, while the eastern coast, including Busan, Ulsan, and Gangwon, faces persistent rain and localized flooding risks. A wind warning remains in effect for the East Sea (Sea of Japan), with waves expected to exceed 2.5 meters in some areas.

The KMA’s Iseul Lee, a weather forecaster, confirmed the split pattern in a briefing Thursday: "The eastern regions will see continuous rainfall due to a low-pressure system, while the western half remains under a high-pressure ridge, trapping heat." The National Disaster Management Institute (NDMI) advised residents in coastal areas to monitor wind warnings and avoid marine activities.

Why the split?
The KMA attributes the divide to a strong eastward wind flow, pushing moisture from the East Sea toward the eastern coast while blocking rain clouds from reaching the west. This pattern is consistent with recent summer forecasts, which have predicted increased rainfall variability across Korea due to shifting jet streams.

What to expect next?
The KMA forecasts the rain to persist through Friday morning, particularly in Gangwon and Jeju, while western regions may see brief afternoon showers as humidity rises. Temperatures in Seoul are expected to peak at 32°C (90°F) by late afternoon, prompting the city’s Air Quality Management Division to issue a yellow alert for ozone levels.

Key advisories:

• Eastern coast: Flooding risk in low-lying areas; avoid driving near rivers.
• Western coast: Heatstroke warnings for outdoor workers; stay hydrated.
• Marine areas: Wind warnings remain active; small boats advised to return to port.

The KMA’s Kim Hyeon-seo, a graphic designer for weather visualizations, noted in a social media post that the pressure gradient between the two regions is among the steepest recorded this month, increasing the likelihood of sudden weather shifts.

For real-time updates, residents are directed to the KMA’s official website or the Disaster and Safety Management Information System (DASMIS).