South Korea is facing a stretch of midsummer heat with daytime highs expected to reach 30 °C in Seoul and 34 °C in Daegu [3, 4].
The early arrival of intense heat increases the risk of heat-related illnesses and requires residents to take precautions against elevated UV and ozone levels.
At 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, May 18, 2024, the temperature in Seoul was 15.8 °C [1], while Daegu recorded 16.6 °C [2]. Despite these morning lows, YTN caster Jung Soo-hyun said the heat exceeding 30 °C would continue throughout the day.
These temperatures are currently three to four °C higher than normal levels [5]. Jung said that because this early heat is persisting, people with heat-related illnesses are appearing more quickly than usual.
"Until then, special attention to health management will be necessary," Jung said.
The current weather pattern is expected to persist until the middle of the week. Jung said the heat would subside as rain falls across the country on Wednesday and Thursday [6].
Residents are advised to monitor ozone alerts and limit prolonged outdoor exposure during peak sunlight hours to avoid skin, and respiratory irritation. The forecast indicates that the mid-week precipitation will provide the first significant relief from the unseasonable temperatures.
“"Today, the heat exceeding 30 degrees will continue."”
The emergence of midsummer temperatures in mid-May suggests a deviation from seasonal norms in South Korea. When heat-related illnesses appear earlier than typical historical patterns, it puts additional pressure on public health systems and indicates a need for earlier activation of urban heat-mitigation strategies.
