SEOUL — For the first time in July, 'super tropical nights' have been recorded in the east coast cities of Sokcho and Gangneung, with overnight temperatures staying above 30°C, as reported by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Sokcho experienced its hottest night on record with a minimum temperature of 30.6°C, marking the first time temperatures exceeded 30°C during the night since records began. Gangneung also reported a minimum overnight temperature of 30.4°C. A 'super tropical night' is defined when the lowest temperature remains above 30°C from 6:01 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. the next day, a severe escalation from the standard tropical night threshold of 25°C.
The phenomenon of tropical nights, where temperatures stay above 25°C overnight, has been more prevalent this year, with a record average of 7.1 nights observed so far this summer, the most in over three decades. The persistent heat has been attributed to a shift from monsoon to scorching conditions last week, with expectations that these high temperatures will continue throughout August.
With a heatwave warning in effect nationwide, daily temperatures are forecast to range between 22°C and 29°C, with daytime highs potentially reaching up to 36°C. The KMA also predicts periodic rain, which might provide temporary relief, though the overarching heat is expected to persist.