Seoul residents saw a break from oppressive nighttime heat this week as a 17-night streak of tropical nights ended [4].
The shift provides temporary relief for millions in the metropolitan area who have struggled with persistent humidity and high overnight temperatures. While the nights have cooled, the city continues to face extreme daytime heat.
Nighttime temperatures in Seoul fell to 24.5°C [1], marking a drop of approximately four degrees Celsius compared to the previous day [2]. In South Korea, a "tropical night" is defined by temperatures that remain at or above 25°C throughout the night. This particular heatwave began following July 23 [5].
Meteorological data indicates the temperature drop resulted from a change in wind patterns. Hong Na-sil, a caster for the Science Meteorological Administration, said that weakening easterly winds reduced the influx of hot air from western regions. She said that active radiative cooling during the night further helped temperatures fall below the 25°C threshold [3].
Despite the nighttime reprieve, the daytime heat remains severe. Forecasts indicate that daytime highs will stay around 35°C [3]. This disparity between day and night temperatures creates a volatile weather pattern for the city's residents.
Local news outlets noted the immediate impact on the population. An anchor for YTN said that some residents were likely able to sleep with their windows open for the first time in a long while [3].
“Seoul experienced 17 consecutive nights of tropical night before the break.”
The end of the tropical night streak indicates a shift in regional atmospheric pressure and wind flow, though it does not signal the end of the summer heatwave. The persistence of 35°C daytime highs suggests that while radiative cooling is now possible at night, the primary heat dome affecting the region remains largely intact.
