Seoul Cherry Blossoms Reach Full Bloom Friday

Rain Continues Across the Country Until Early April

Rain is expected to persist across the country until the morning of the 31st. Following this, skies are predicted to clear and become bright, making the capital region, including Seoul, ideal for enjoying cherry blossoms until Friday, the 3rd.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 30th, rain is forecast nationwide until the morning of the 31st due to a low-pressure system moving eastward from near Shanghai, China. The expected rainfall from the 30th to the 31st includes:

• 5–10 mm in the capital region
• 5–50 mm in Gangwon Province
• 5–40 mm in the Chungcheong region
• 10–50 mm in the Honam region
• 10–50 mm in the Yeongnam region
• 20–80 mm in Jeju Island

Additional rain of around 5 mm is expected in southern regions and Jeju Island on the 1st of next month.

Impact of Spring Rain on Air Quality

As significant spring rain falls, fine dust that has covered South Korea throughout March is expected to be completely washed away by the 31st. In Seoul, fine dust (PM2.5) levels reached ‘unhealthy’ (36 micrograms or more per cubic meter) in some areas on the 30th. As of the 30th, Seoul recorded 19 days (63.3%) in March with ‘unhealthy’ or higher fine dust levels, surpassing last year’s record (15 days out of 31, 48.4%).

Weather Conditions After Rain

Starting in the afternoon of the 31st, central regions will gradually escape the low-pressure system’s influence, with the entire country under a high-pressure system. Skies will generally be clear, and daytime temperatures are expected to rise above 20°C, remaining mild. However, daily temperature ranges will widen to around 15°C. Morning lows on the 31st are forecasted at 7–13°C, and daytime highs at 11–21°C. This temperature pattern is expected to continue until early April.

Cherry Blossom Forecast

In Seoul, cherry blossoms that bloomed on the 29th (based on Yeouido Yeouiseong-ro) are expected to reach full bloom by the 3rd of next month at the latest. Cherry blossoms are officially recorded as ‘blooming’ when over 20% of flowers on a tree have opened, and as ‘full bloom’ when over 80% have opened. Typically, blossoms take 1–5 days from blooming to full bloom, and on warmer days, they may bloom fully immediately, sometimes recording both stages on the same day.

Rain Expected in the Coming Days

On Friday, the 3rd, rain is expected in the Honam region and Jeju Island as a trough with rain clouds passes through. Nationwide rain is also forecast for Saturday, the 4th. In Seoul, spring rain on the 4th is expected to mark a ‘cherry blossom ending.’