SEOUL, Jul. 30 (Korea Bizwire) – As temperatures refuse to dip below 25 degrees Celsius even after sunset, South Koreans are enduring a string of sleepless nights in what is shaping up to be one of the most sweltering summers in recent memory.
The Korea Meteorological Administration reported on July 29 that the country has already experienced 7.1 tropical nights since June 1, the highest number in 30 years.
This approaches the record set in 1994, widely remembered as one of the worst summers in South Korean history.
Tropical nights, defined as evenings when the temperature remains above 25 degrees Celsius from 6:01 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following day, typically occur 2.7 times on average during June and July.
This year, however, has seen an unprecedented early onset, with the phenomenon starting in early June and even evolving into “ultra-tropical nights” in some regions.
In Gangwon Province, the cities of Sokcho and Gangneung recorded nighttime lows above 30 degrees Celsius, a rare occurrence known as an “ultra-tropical night.”
Sokcho’s temperature of 30.6 degrees Celsius marked the first time the city has crossed the 30-degree threshold since record-keeping began.
“The persistent high temperatures are due to the influence of the North Pacific high-pressure system, which is preventing the daytime heat from dissipating at night,” explained a spokesperson from the Korea Meteorological Administration.
The heat wave has broken numerous local temperature records. In addition to Sokcho and Gangneung, cities such as Donghae and Yeongwol in Gangwon Province experienced their warmest nights on record.
Similar records were set in various locations across the country, including Changwon, Boryeong, and Ulleungdo.
This year’s early and intense heat wave draws comparisons to the infamous summers of 1994 and 2018. With several days left in July and August traditionally being the hottest month, meteorologists predict this summer could surpass those benchmarks.
The current heat wave is attributed to a combination of factors, including the influence of the Tibetan high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere and the North Pacific high-pressure system in the lower levels.
These systems, coupled with the effects of a typhoon that made landfall in southern China, are funneling hot, humid air into the Korean Peninsula.
As the monsoon rains subside and temperatures continue to climb, experts warn that this could be the beginning of a record-breaking stretch of tropical nights.
The forecast suggests that most of the country will experience heat index values around 35 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
Health officials advise maintaining indoor temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius with 50-60% humidity for comfortable sleep.
They also recommend taking lukewarm showers before bed, engaging in light exercise regularly, and avoiding heavy meals in the evening to better cope with the tropical nights.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
