South Korea's rainy season, traditionally characterized by weeks of heavy rainfall, has become increasingly unpredictable. Choi Moon-hee, a resident of Seoul, noted that she no longer carries an umbrella, having experienced only one downpour since the monsoon season was declared two weeks ago.
Historically, the rainy season in East Asia has spanned from mid-June to July, but recent years have shown a decline in consistent rainfall patterns, attributed largely to climate change. In fact, forecasters in southern South Korea declared the rainy season over last week, while western Japan recorded its earliest end to the season since records began.
Climate change has exacerbated extreme weather globally, leading to erratic monsoon seasons in countries like India and China, resulting in unexpected floods and droughts. Yeh Sang-wook, a climate dynamics professor, stated that traditional forecasting methods have become ineffective due to these changes.
This year's monsoon season began with warnings of heavy rains, which have not materialized in much of South Korea and Japan. Concurrently, a heat wave has gripped the region, with temperatures in Seoul reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest for early July since 1908. Japan also reported its hottest June on record, prompting heat stroke alerts and hospitalizations for heat-related illnesses.
In response to the extreme heat, residents and officials are adapting their strategies. Tokyo has offset water bills to encourage air conditioning use, while farmers in western Japan are irrigating crops ahead of harvest. However, the ongoing heat and lack of rain pose significant threats to agriculture, particularly for crops like cabbage and rice.
In South Korea, officials are preparing for potential drought and flooding due to sudden downpours. Meteorologists are advising residents to stay hydrated and indoors during the heat. On Jeju Island, farmers are facing challenges, with some crops suffering from the dry conditions and premature fruit drop.
Recent years have seen unpredictable weather patterns, with significant flooding occurring after the rainy season was declared over. Officials warn that heavy rains could still occur later in the summer, despite the current dry conditions. As the heat persists, residents are using battery-powered fans and carrying umbrellas for sun protection.