South Korea is facing a nationwide heatwave with temperatures forecast to reach 38 °C in Gyeongju on Friday [1].
The extreme heat poses significant public health risks as high humidity increases the apparent temperature, making the weather feel more oppressive than the actual thermometer reading.
Kim Min-kyung, a reporter for YTN, said the momentum of the heatwave is growing stronger [1]. According to forecasts, temperatures in Gyeongju will hit 38 °C [1], while Daegu is expected to reach 37 °C [1]. Seoul is forecast to see a high of 33 °C [1].
High humidity levels are expected to push the apparent temperature one to two °C higher than the actual temperature [1]. Because of these conditions, heat advisories have been expanded to include the Seoul metropolitan area, and parts of Gangwon Province [1].
The weather pattern is being driven by the strengthening of the North Pacific high-pressure system [1]. This system is intensifying the heat across the peninsula, though the lingering monsoon season continues to influence the region.
While the south and west face extreme heat, the central region of the country can expect scattered rain [1]. These precipitation events are forecast to continue through Sunday [1].
Local authorities are monitoring the situation as the combination of high heat and humidity increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. Residents in the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon are advised to follow the updated heat advisories [1].
“The momentum of the heatwave is growing stronger.”
The simultaneous occurrence of a strengthening North Pacific high-pressure system and the tail end of the monsoon season creates a volatile weather environment. The high humidity not only elevates the heat index—increasing the risk of heatstroke—but also maintains the atmospheric instability required for scattered rainfall in the central regions.
