Korean-Style Squall and Its Relationship with Summer Temperature
Abstracts
This study analyzes the influence of summer temperatures on Korean‐type squalls using meteorological data from Seoul, Gangneung, and Gunsan over the past 30 years (1995–2024). By examining correlations between heavy rainfall frequency and variables such as total precipitation, and summer maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures. The overall relationship between temperature and heavy rainfall frequency was found to be weak and not statistically significant. However, notable regional differences emerged: Seoul exhibited a positive correlation between rising temperatures and heavy rainfall frequency, whereas Gangneung and Gunsan showed negative correlations, with both regions displaying a stronger temperature influence than Seoul. These differences are likely due to the indirect role of temperature in precipitation processes, as well as geographical and environmental variations among the regions that affect rainfall development. The findings highlight the need for further research incorporating additional meteorological variables to better understand the mechanisms driving Korean-type squall events.
What is 'Korean-Style Squall'
Korean-style squalls refer to short-lived but intense downpours accompanied by strong gusts,
also known as sudden heavy rainfall events or localized torrential rain.
These squalls differ from Southeast Asian squalls in terms of scale, precipitation characteristics, and formation mechanisms.
In recent years, the frequency and intensity of such localized heavy rainfall in Korea have increased.
This trend is important related to preparedness for sudden cloudbursts and strong winds.
The frequency of heavy rainfall events on the Korean Peninsula—defined as hourly precipitation ≥ 50 mm—has increased by 1.5 times compared with the past 30 years. In some regions, the frequency has risen by as much as 6.4 times. This upward trend has continued in recent years.
Research Method
1 / Data Download
Weather data from Seoul, Gunsan, and Gangneung for the past 30 years (1995–2024) were collected. We used data on precipitation, summer maximum & minimum temperature, mean temperature, and heavy rainfall events.
2 / Data analysis
A program was used to analyze correlations between each meteorological variable and the frequency of heavy rainfall.
3 / Comparing results
We compared results among Seoul, Gangneung, and Gunsan.
Result
1 / Seoul
Overall, Seoul shows weak positive correlations between temperature variables and heavy rainfall frequency.
Heavy rainfall frequency is most strongly associated with mean minimum temperature.
mean temperature & heavy rain > r = 0.13
maximum temperature & heavy rain > r = 0.02
minimum temperature & heavy rain > r = 0.24
Linear Regressoion R2 = 0.084
2 / Gangneung
Gangneung exhibits overall negative correlations, though still relatively weak.
However, the absolute correlation values are higher than those observed in Seoul.
mean temperature & heavy rain > r = -0.23
maximum temperature & heavy rain > r = -0.25
minimum temperature & heavy rain > r = -0.18
Linear Regressoion R2 = 0.119
3 / Gunsan
Gunsan also shows weak negative correlations, with values stronger than those of Seoul.
Heavy rainfall frequency is most strongly associated with mean minimum temperature.
mean temperature & heavy rain > r = -0.29
maximum temperature & heavy rain > r = -0.22
minimum temperature & heavy rain > r = -0.34
Linear Regressoion R2 = 0.2
< Summary of Findings >
Correlation analysis indicates that:
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In Seoul and Gunsan, heavy rainfall frequency is most strongly associated with mean minimum temperature.
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In Gangneung, heavy rainfall frequency is most strongly associated with mean maximum temperature.
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Overall, temperature and heavy rainfall frequency do not show statistically significant correlations.
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However, the relationship differs between the severely affected regions (Gangneung and Gunsan) and Seoul.
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Seoul shows a positive correlation between temperature and heavy rainfall frequency.
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The other two regions show negative correlations.
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< Conclusion and Suggestions >
These results related to the indirect relationship between temperature and heavy rainfall occurrence. While temperature affects cloud formation, many other factors play a role in precipitation processes. Additionally, environmental and geographical differences among Seoul, Gangneung, and Gunsan—such as terrain and local climate—likely contribute to the observed variations in rainfall behavior.
Because this study used only 30 years of data, further research incorporating additional meteorological variables and longer datasets would help refine the results. Future studies should explore which environmental or atmospheric factors most significantly influence
localized heavy rainfall.