South Korea has recorded a historic number of tropical nights this summer, with nighttime temperatures exceeding 25 C between June 1 and July 27. The nationwide average reached 7.8, the highest since 1973, as a persistent heat wave grips the nation.
The record-breaking number of tropical nights highlights the severity of the ongoing heat wave in South Korea, posing potential health risks to the population and impacting daily life. The forecast suggests the extreme weather conditions will continue, potentially affecting various sectors and public health initiatives.
South Korea has experienced a record number of tropical nights this summer, with the nationwide average reaching 7.8 between June 1 and July 27. This figure is the highest recorded since the establishment of the country's nationwide weather observation network in 1973. A tropical night is defined as a period where nighttime temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius.
The average daily temperature during this period was 24.2 C, which is the second highest recorded for the same period since 1973, surpassed only by last year's 24.8 C. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) attributes the persistent heat wave to hot and humid air being drawn into the country by the North Pacific High pressure system.
The KMA has warned that the heat is expected to intensify, with daytime temperatures forecast to range between 33 and 39 C from August 1 to 7. The southeastern city of Daegu is particularly expected to experience daily highs of 39 C during this period, nearing its all-time record of 40 C set in 1942.