South Korea is experiencing an unprecedented early summer heat wave. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 27 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea is experiencing an unprecedented early summer heat wave, with June 2023 on track to become the hottest June since weather records began in 1973.
Meteorologists warn that the scorching temperatures are just a prelude to what could be one of the most severe summer seasons in the country’s history.
According to data from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the number of heat wave days—defined as days when the maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 33 degrees Celsius—already hit 2.7 days between June 1 and 25.
This figure is more than four times the monthly average of 0.6 days for June, based on records from 1991 to 2020.
The current heat wave is shattering previous records. The second-hottest June on record was in 2020, with 1.9 heat wave days, while 2018, notorious for its extreme temperatures, saw only 1.5 such days in June.
The early onset of high temperatures has led to a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses. The National Fire Agency reports that emergency services have transported 268 patients suffering from heat-related conditions since May 20, when the heat wave response period began.
This number is more than double the 116 cases reported during the same period last year.
Among the heat-related illnesses, heat exhaustion—characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting due to dehydration—accounted for over half of the cases. Heat stroke (21.6%), heat cramps (13.8%), and heat syncope (12.3%) were also reported.
Experts predict that July and August could bring even more intense heat. Typically, South Korea experiences rising temperatures in June, a brief respite during the monsoon season, followed by peak summer heat in July and August.
The current early summer heat wave is considered just the beginning of what could be a grueling season.
Historical data supports these concerns. In 2018, after 1.5 heat wave days in June, the numbers skyrocketed to 15.4 days in July and 14.1 days in August.
Similarly, in 1994, which had the second-highest number of heat wave days on record, June saw 0.9 days, followed by 17.7 days in July and 9.8 days in August, with the heat persisting into September with 1.2 days.
Lee Myong-in, director of the Heat Wave Research Center at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), recently presented AI and machine learning-based predictions suggesting that this summer’s heat wave days will exceed the annual average of 10.2 days.
The KMA’s long-term forecast indicates a 50% probability that average temperatures in June and August will be higher than usual, with July having a 40% chance of being either average or above average.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
