South Korea has entered a period of extreme heat after the monsoon season effectively ended this week [1].
The shift marks a dangerous transition for the region, as the end of heavy rains is immediately replaced by soaring temperatures that threaten public health and infrastructure.
Authorities from the Korea Meteorological Administration said the heat-wave "major warning" area has expanded to 14 locations [1]. The extreme weather is concentrated in Gyeongsangnam-do, with cities such as Yangsan, Milyang, and Gyeongsan reporting the highest temperatures [1].
In Gyeongsan, the maximum temperature reached 39.3°C [1]. Both Yangsan and Milyang also recorded temperatures above 39°C [1]. The warnings now cover significant portions of Daegu, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam [1].
Meteorologists said the temperature spike occurred because the stationary front that produced the monsoon moved north toward North Korea. This allowed a high-pressure, hot, and humid North Pacific anticyclone to settle over the peninsula [2].
Local residents have dealt with an unpredictable rainy season before the heat arrived. Reporter Park So-jeong said the stationary front had produced unexpected concentrated heavy rains, which some referred to as "goblin monsoon" or "tweezer monsoon" [2].
An anchor for YTN said that the period of extreme rain has ended and the era of extreme heat has begun [2].
“The heat-wave 'major warning' area has expanded to 14 locations.”
The rapid transition from an erratic monsoon season to an extreme heatwave places significant stress on the national power grid and public health systems. The presence of a North Pacific anticyclone typically creates a 'heat dome' effect, trapping hot air over the region and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths if the high-pressure system remains stationary.
