SEOUL — Seoul has recorded tropical nights for 22 consecutive days, marking the third longest streak since modern records began in 1907, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported Monday. This occurrence signifies prolonged high nighttime temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius from early evening until morning across the city.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this meteorological event not only affects Seoul but has also persisted in Incheon and Busan, where tropical nights have continued for 20 and 18 days respectively. This year's duration ranks as the third longest for Incheon since 1904 and fifth for Busan. The ongoing heatwave has led to a surge in apparent temperatures, reaching around 35 degrees Celsius, with forecasts indicating no immediate relief.
Temperatures recorded early Monday morning show 29.3 degrees Celsius in Seoul and slightly higher in surrounding areas. The heat is expected to continue with daily highs ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius through the upcoming weeks. From Thursday to August 22, temperatures are predicted to remain above average, with morning lows between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius and daytime highs from 30 to 34 degrees Celsius.
The KMA also anticipates sporadic showers across various regions, including the greater Seoul area, with eastern Gyeonggi Province and parts of Gangwon Province expected to receive up to 40 millimeters of rain. Meanwhile, separate data from the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency highlights a significant rise in heat-related illnesses this year, the highest since a severe heatwave in 2018. Between May 20 and August 11, a total of 2,293 individuals suffered from heat-related conditions, with 21 fatalities linked to the heat, 14 of which occurred in August alone.