Seoul: Early summer heat gripped many parts of South Korea on Monday, with the inland city of Gimcheon logging temperatures higher than the heat wave threshold.
According to Yonhap News Agency, temperatures in Gimcheon, about 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul, reached 36 C by 2:40 p.m., surpassing the 33 C threshold for a heat wave as per the Korea Meteorological Administration. This unprecedented heat wave has not only impacted Gimcheon but also set new records in other cities.
In the southeastern city of Gyeongju, temperatures soared to 35.9 C around the same time, marking a mid-May record since authorities began tracking temperatures in the city in August 2010. Similarly, the nearby city of Daegu recorded a temperature of 34.7 C, while the southwestern city of Gwangju reached 32.4 C, both setting new mid-May highs.
The unusual heatwave is attributed to a high-pressure system influencing the region, resulting in clear skies devoid of clouds. However, as the high-pressure system shifts eastward, meteorologists expect an increase in cloud formation, with rainfall anticipated from Wednesday to Thursday.