BUSAN — A heavy rain warning was issued for Busan, where a heat wave and tropical nights had persisted, forcing closures of walking paths along downtown streams and roads near the Nakdong River.
The Busan Regional Meteorological Administration issued the warning at 10:50 a.m. on the 28th, beginning with the city's western districts before extending to central and eastern areas. Between 30 and 80 millimeters of rain was expected through the night, with an additional 10 to 40 millimeters forecast for the 29th, bringing the two-day total to as much as 120 millimeters.
Substantial rain had already fallen across the city. As of 11:30 a.m., cumulative rainfall measured 77.5 millimeters in Busanjin District, 74 millimeters in Saha District, 69.5 millimeters in Haeundae District, 51.8 millimeters in northern Busan and 50.5 millimeters in Nam District.
Closures widened along downtown streams and the Nakdong River area in preparation for the rainfall. All access points to Oncheoncheon Stream in the Yeonje, Dongnae and Geumjeong district sections were blocked at about 7:25 a.m. Sasang District closed the road beneath Sugwan Bridge near Samnak Ecological Park at 8:23 a.m. Walking paths along Jwagwangcheon and Ilgwangcheon streams in Gijang County and Jisacheon and Hwajeoncheon streams in Gangseo District were also restricted. At 10:44 a.m., walking paths along the Suyeong River, Seokdaecheon and Chuncheon streams were fully closed.
The heat wave is expected to lose some intensity. Still, high humidity is forecast to push the heat index to around 33 degrees Celsius, meaning the sweltering conditions will likely continue even after the rain stops. Busan has recorded tropical nights for 10 consecutive days since the 18th of this month.
The weather agency said heat wave advisories would gradually be lifted or eased in some areas as the rain falls, but added that maximum heat index readings would rise for the time being, making conditions very hot.
