Seoul recorded its first tropical night of the year on June 11, 2024, as minimum temperatures remained above 25°C [1, 2].
The early arrival of such extreme heat puts pressure on urban infrastructure and public health systems. Tropical nights, defined by minimum temperatures staying at or above 25°C, often lead to increased heat-related illnesses and higher energy demands for cooling.
The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that the minimum temperature in Seoul reached 25.2°C [1]. This observation triggered a heat warning for the city and parts of Gyeonggi province [2].
Meteorologists attributed the spike to high atmospheric pressure. The combination of the Tibetan and North Pacific anticyclones trapped heat in the region, preventing nighttime temperatures from dropping [1].
Reports on the timing of this event compared to previous years are conflicting. Some YTN news reports said the first tropical night arrived 12 days earlier than the previous year [2], while other YTN headlines suggested it arrived 12 days later [1].
An anchor for YTN said that heat warnings were issued for Seoul and parts of Gyeonggi for the first time this year [2]. The anchor also said that the heat is expanding nationwide, describing the conditions as a "cauldron-like heat" [2].
The Korea Meteorological Administration said the first tropical night was officially observed when Seoul's minimum temperature stayed above 25°C [2].
“Seoul's minimum temperature stayed above 25°C”
The occurrence of a tropical night in mid-June indicates a potentially more aggressive summer heat cycle for South Korea. When high-pressure systems from the Tibetan and North Pacific regions synchronize, they create a heat dome effect that prevents the city from cooling down overnight. This lack of nocturnal relief increases the risk of heatstroke and puts a significant strain on the electrical grid due to continuous air conditioning use.
