Attention is focused on the weather for National Foundation Day (October 3) ahead of the first holiday stretch of October. With the holiday running from National Foundation Day on the 3rd through the weekend after Friday the 2nd, morning temperatures are expected to drop and the gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures is forecast to widen significantly.

■ Mostly Clear Nationwide on the 2nd... Chilly Mornings and Evenings

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the weather will be mostly clear nationwide on the 2nd. As the holiday atmosphere effectively begins after work on Friday, those planning outdoor activities or travel should prepare for chilly morning and evening conditions.

On National Foundation Day, the 3rd, the day will also start mostly clear, but clouds are expected to gradually increase from the morning. As relatively cold air has recently been flowing down from the northwest, temperatures are falling, and some areas may feel quite cool in the morning.

■ Temperature Gap Up to 15 Degrees... KMA Urges Health Caution

The biggest variable of this holiday is the diurnal temperature range. The KMA said the gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures could widen to around 10 degrees, mainly in inland areas, and urged people to take care of their health. In some inland areas of Gyeonggi Province, the temperature gap could reach around 15 degrees.

Even if daytime temperatures are relatively mild and comfortable for activity, the perceived temperature may drop quickly after sunset. Those planning holiday outings would be advised to prepare a light outer layer.

■ Rain in the Latter Half of the Holiday... Possible in Central Regions, Jeolla Area, and Jeju on the Morning of the 5th

The key timing for rain is the latter half of the holiday and afterward, rather than National Foundation Day itself. The KMA's medium-range forecast indicates the possibility of rain on Monday morning, the 5th, in the central regions, the Jeolla area, and Jeju Island. However, the timing and areas of precipitation may change depending on how the pressure trough develops and how fast it moves.

Ultimately, the keywords for the first October holiday's weather center more on 'falling temperatures' and 'large temperature gaps' than on heavy rain. With schedules running from National Foundation Day on the 3rd through the weekend, when preparing for trips or outings, it is advisable to check not only daytime temperatures but also morning and nighttime temperatures when deciding what to wear.

[This article was written based on the KMA's regular forecast briefings and publicly available meteorological data. Precipitation areas and timing, the possibility of gusts and thunderstorms, and temperature forecasts may change depending on shifts in pressure patterns, so it is necessary to check the latest weather information before going out or traveling. AI was used for some sentences and data organization.]