It has been observed that the amount of rainfall during the summer months of June to August will be similar to or greater than the average, indicating that there will be no 'meteorological drought' in the future. A meteorological drought refers to a situation where rainfall in a specific area is below the average for a certain period (recent cumulative six months), resulting in dryness.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety projected on the 9th that rainfall in June will generally be above average, while July and August will be similar to normal levels.
However, as of the 2nd, some areas are showing signs of 'mild drought' or 'moderate drought.' The stages of meteorological drought are categorized into four levels: mild, moderate, severe, and extreme, based on comparisons of the recent cumulative rainfall over six months to average levels.
The eight cities and counties in South Chungcheong Province supplied by Boryung Dam are classified as having mild drought and are at the 'attention' stage, while three cities in North Gyeongsang Province supplied by Yeongcheon Dam and five cities and counties in Daegu and North Gyeongsang supplied by Unmun Dam, as well as Yeonggwang-gun in South Jeolla Province supplied by Daesin and Bokryong Dams, are managed under the 'caution' stage due to moderate drought. For reference, the nationwide cumulative rainfall is at 80.9% (273.2 mm) of the average level (1991–2020).
The national average reservoir rate for agricultural reservoirs is 70.5%, which is 6 percentage points higher than the average (64.5%). By region, it ranges from 100% (Gangwon and North Gyeongsang) to 113.4% (North Jeolla), maintaining average levels. The water reserves of 19 multipurpose dams and 12 water supply dams, which are major sources of domestic and industrial water, are also at 120.9% and 93.8% of the norm, respectively, ensuring normal supply.
The government plans to continue monitoring the drought situation and implement countermeasures against drought.