The drought in the southern region is worsening. With cumulative rainfall over the past two months falling short of even half the average, an increasing number of areas are being classified as experiencing domestic and industrial water shortages.

As of the 8th, 15 out of 167 cities and counties nationwide are classified as being in a domestic and industrial water drought. Of these, all 15 areas at the alert stage and 10 areas at the warning stage are concentrated in the southern region.

The rainfall deficit is striking. As of August 6, precipitation in the southern region totaled 212.1 mm, only 46.8% of the average for the same period. This is the fourth-lowest figure since 1973, when the national weather observation network was expanded.

Rainfall forecasts remain limited. Rain that began over the weekend is expected to continue through the morning of the 10th in the Gangwon East Coast and mountainous areas, the northern Gyeongbuk East Coast and mountainous areas, and parts of Jeju. However, no significant rainfall is forecast for other regions through next week.

The heatwave is also unlikely to subside easily. The Korea Meteorological Administration projects that extreme heat will persist from the 12th to the 18th. During this period, morning temperatures are expected to range from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures from 28 to 35 degrees, both exceeding the average lows (21–24 degrees) and highs (28–32 degrees).

On Monday, the 10th, morning lows are expected to reach 20–26 degrees and daytime highs 26–34 degrees. On the 11th, temperatures are forecast to range from 19–25 degrees in the morning to 26–35 degrees during the day. While temperatures may dip slightly compared to the previous week, tropical nights and heatwave conditions will persist in many areas. In particular, some inland regions may see feels-like temperatures climb above 35 degrees.

Even though Ipchu (the start of autumn on the lunar calendar) passed on the 7th, feels-like temperatures of 33 degrees or above are expected to continue across most of the country next week.