By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

Up to 120 millimeters of rain is forecast to fall in southern and central regions until Sunday, cooling off the lingering summer heat, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Friday.

According to the weather agency, some 40 to 120 mm of rain will drench central regions, Cholla provinces and Cheju Island. Kyongsang provinces, Ullung-do and Tokto may see rainfall of some 20-50 mm.

Heavy rain warnings will be issued Saturday on Cheju Island and the sea will run high in southern and eastern coastal areas, the KMA said, recommending fishermen leave their vessels docked. The agency warned of possible damages from heavy rain accompanied by strong winds.

Weathermen said that midday highs will drop by four to five degrees Saturday nationwide, and rise again Sunday. At the end of next week, cool weather will envelop the country, they added.

The KMA said daytime highs in Seoul will fall to 23 degrees Celsius Saturday and climb to 26 degrees Sunday.

It added that a lingering heat will persist for the time being early next week due to high atmospheric pressure affecting the peninsula.

chungay@koreatimes.co.kr