KOREA: "This summer’s weather was record-breaking in every way." 13 extreme downpours in west, drought on east coast- Heating Planet

Korea’s Hottest Summer on Record: Extreme Heat, Torrential Rains, and Drought in Gangneung; MBN News today video/ transcript, Heating Planet at CofA Blog- "This summer's weather was unprecedented. According to the meteorological agency's analysis, it was the hottest ever recorded, with extreme heavy rain occurring several times. Meanwhile, it is reported that the eastern coastal region of Gangwon received the least amount of rain."

   

TRANSCRIPT: This summer’s weather was record-breaking in every way. 0:04 According to the Meteorological Administration, it was the hottest on record, with 13 extreme downpours. 0:12 In contrast, the East Coast of Gangwon received the least rainfall. Reporter Kang Se-hyun explains why. 0:22 In a garden in Seoul, tropical plants are thriving. 0:26 Plants that usually grow near the equator are now flourishing outdoors, not in a greenhouse. 0:32 This plant is called Canna. 0:34 Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, it still looks fresh even now in autumn. 0:41 Thanks to the prolonged heat, this summer’s national average temperature reached 25.7 degrees Celsius, the highest ever. 0:50 “I feel like I’m always sweating. It’s been so hot lately, and it just seems to be getting hotter. 0:56 Extreme deluges were frequent. 0:58 In the Seoul metropolitan area, South Jeolla, and other regions, rainfall over 100 mm per hour was observed 13 times. 1:07 Meanwhile, Gangwon Yeongdong—including Gangneung—saw a sharp decline in rainfall. 1:13 Summer rain was one-third of average, with just 24 rainy days. 1:17 That is the lowest on record. 1:20 Predominant southwesterly winds this summer pushed rain clouds into the Taebaek Mountains, where they weakened and failed to deliver rain to the East Coast. 1:28 The problem is there’s still no rain in the forecast. 1:31 Gangneung, which saw only 2 mm today, is not expected to get rain through the 14th. 1:37 East Coast rain will mostly stop by Thursday night, and for the time being afterward, organized, steady rainfall in Gangneung is expected to be unlikely. 1:47 If this situation continues, the water level of Obong Reservoir, Gangneung’s main water source, could drop below 10%. 1:54 Kang Se-hyun, MBN News.