SEOUL — South Korea's capital, Seoul, and its second-largest city, Busan, have set new records for the longest consecutive periods of tropical nights, as a severe heat wave continues to affect the nation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Seoul recorded its 27th consecutive tropical night, with temperatures not falling below 27.2°C from Friday night into early Saturday morning. This streak, which started on July 21, surpasses any previous records since meteorological data began to be systematically recorded in 1907. A tropical night is defined by temperatures staying at or above 25°C from 6:01 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following day.
Meanwhile, Busan marked its 23rd consecutive tropical night, beginning on July 25, with a minimum temperature of 26.6°C, setting a new record for the city since its weather observations started in 1904. Additionally, Incheon, near Seoul, experienced its 25th consecutive tropical night, nearing its 2018 record of 26 consecutive nights.
The southern island of Jeju has also been significantly affected, recording tropical nights for the 33rd consecutive day, further highlighting the extensive reach and persistence of the current heat wave across South Korea.