Seoul Temperatures Hit 32°C in Early Summer Heat Wave

Seoul's daytime temperature rose to 32°C on Thursday, surpassing yesterday's record and marking the hottest day of the year so far ^[1].

This sudden spike in temperature brings late-July heat to the region in mid-May. The anomaly creates immediate public health concerns and disrupts seasonal expectations for residents in the capital and surrounding western regions.

According to meteorologist Jung Su-hyun, the heat is expected to continue through the weekend and into the beginning of next week ^[2]. The high temperatures are being driven by a high-pressure system that is keeping the region warm, a pattern typically seen much later in the summer season ^[1].

The heat is not limited to the capital. Nearby cities including Daejeon and Jeonju are also projected to reach highs of around 31°C ^[1]. In Seoul, some reports indicated temperatures of 30.3°C during the day ^[3], which is seven degrees above the historical average for this time of year ^[3].

"Today's daytime temperature in Seoul rose to 32 degrees, making it hotter than yesterday, which was the hottest day of the year so far," Jung said ^[2].

The current weather pattern is expected to remain stable until a new weather system arrives. Jung said the early heat will persist past the holidays and early next week, with temperatures expected to subside when rain falls across the country on Wednesday ^[2].

While the current heat is intense, the forecast suggests a temporary reprieve is coming. The transition from extreme heat to nationwide rain within a week highlights the volatility of the current spring-to-summer transition in East Asia.