South Korea is experiencing extreme heat that has caused seawater to reach boiling-like temperatures, mirroring conditions from the worst heatwave of 1994 [1].
This weather pattern poses a significant risk to public health and marine ecosystems, as temperatures are currently exceeding human body heat in several regions.
Lee Hyun-ho, a professor of atmospheric science at Kongju National University, said the current crisis is driven by the expansion of the North Pacific High. According to Lee, the country was under the influence of the rainy season front until last week, but the high-pressure system has since expanded to completely cover the peninsula [1].
This atmospheric shift has trapped heat across the country, with the southern coastal regions experiencing particularly severe effects [1]. The resulting heatwave has been so intense that it has impacted the temperature of the surrounding ocean waters.
"As you have seen, extreme heat exceeding human body temperature has continued for days," said YTN anchor Cho Jin-hyuk [1].
Cho questioned the cause of the unprecedented intensity during the broadcast, seeking clarity on why the heat has become so oppressive [1]. Lee said that the transition from the rainy season to the total dominance of the North Pacific High is the primary driver of the current spike in temperatures [1].
Experts are monitoring the situation to determine if the current trend will fully replicate the historical peak of 1994 [1]. The persistence of the high-pressure system suggests that the oppressive heat may continue to linger over the region.
“extreme heat exceeding human body temperature has continued for days”
The recurrence of weather patterns similar to the 1994 crisis indicates a potential trend of intensifying summer extremes in East Asia. When the North Pacific High completely envelops the peninsula, it creates a 'heat dome' effect that prevents cooler air from entering, leading to dangerous surface and sea temperatures that can disrupt local fisheries and increase heat-related mortality.
