Seoul Experiences First Tropical Night of the Year Amidst Rising Temperatures

On the night of June 29, citizens gathered at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul to cool off while admiring the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has forecasted tropical nights across the country, including Seoul, this week.

Seoul recorded its first tropical night of the year, with a minimum temperature of 25.6 degrees Celsius from 6 PM on June 29 to 9 AM on June 30. This marks an eight-day delay compared to last year's record-breaking heat, which saw its first tropical night on June 21. A tropical night occurs when nighttime temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Celsius.

The cause of this tropical night is attributed to warm, humid southern winds blowing along the edge of the North Pacific High. These winds brought hot air overnight. This summer, the expansion of the North Pacific High has accelerated, leading to an early rainy season, which has contributed to the high humidity due to frequent rainfall.

In addition to Seoul, other regions such as Gangneung (27 degrees), Cheongju (25.3 degrees), Pohang (27.4 degrees), Daegu (25.8 degrees), Ulsan (25.1 degrees), Yeongdeok (25 degrees), Yeongcheon (25 degrees), and Seogwipo (25.9 degrees) also experienced tropical nights with minimum temperatures exceeding 25 degrees.

As July approaches, the country is expected to enter a period of intense heat, with maximum perceived temperatures likely to exceed 35 degrees Celsius. The KMA predicts that temperatures will remain above average for the foreseeable future, with most regions experiencing maximum perceived temperatures around 33 to 35 degrees, leading to widespread heat advisories.

On July 1, morning temperatures are forecasted to range from 22 to 26 degrees, while daytime highs will be between 27 and 35 degrees. Showers are expected across various regions from the morning to the evening of the same day.

Furthermore, the KMA's three-month outlook indicates that temperatures from July to September will be higher than average, suggesting that this unusual heat may persist into early autumn. There is a 90% probability that temperatures in July and August will be above or similar to average, and an 80% probability for September. Precipitation levels are expected to be similar to average in July and August, but potentially higher in September.