[Weather] Showers Expected Nationwide Amid Heatwave...Where Will You Need an Umbrella?

by Jang Heejun

Published 19 Aug.2026 07:25(KST)

On Wednesday, August 19, the heat will continue with daytime highs reaching up to 33 degrees Celsius. Most regions across the country are expected to experience showers accompanied by gusty winds, thunder, and lightning.

Near the Gangnam Station intersection in Seoul, citizens who were unprepared with umbrellas are moving to shelter from a sudden downpour. Photo by Jo Yongjun

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, there will be rainfall from early morning through dawn in the southern part of the Chungcheong region, Jeolla region, and western North Gyeongsang Province, while the Seoul metropolitan area will see raindrops less than 0.1 mm. The forecasted rainfall by region is as follows: 5–30 mm in southern Daejeon and southern South Chungcheong, and southern North Chungcheong; 5–30 mm in North Jeolla, Gwangju, and South Jeolla; 5–30 mm in western North Gyeongsang Province.

From afternoon to evening, showers are expected in southern Gyeonggi, inland and mountainous areas of southern Gangwon, Chungcheong region, and southern regions. Rainfall from these showers is forecast as follows: 5–40 mm in southern Gyeonggi; 5–40 mm in inland and mountainous areas of southern Gangwon; 5–50 mm in Daejeon, Sejong, South Chungcheong, and North Chungcheong; 5–60 mm in Gwangju, South Jeolla, and North Jeolla; 5–60 mm in Busan, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang, Daegu, and North Gyeongsang.

Heatwave warnings are in effect for most regions nationwide. In areas where rain or showers occur, temperatures will temporarily decrease, but after the rain stops and the humidity remains high, the temperature will rise again, making it feel even hotter.

The forecasted daytime highs for major cities are: 32 degrees Celsius in Seoul, 31 in Incheon, 33 in Chuncheon, 33 in Gangneung, 33 in Daejeon, 32 in Daegu, 31 in Jeonju, 33 in Gwangju, 32 in Busan, and 32 in Jeju.