South Korean weather authorities have issued heatwave and tropical night warnings as temperatures in Seoul are forecast to reach 39 °C [1].
These extreme conditions persist despite the official start of autumn, known as Ipchu. The disconnect between the seasonal calendar and actual weather highlights the intensity of the current high-pressure system affecting the peninsula.
Seoul is expected to experience its highest temperature of the year for the fifth consecutive day [3]. The Korea Meteorological Administration said that tropical night conditions in the capital have lasted for more than half a month [2]. During these nights, perceived temperatures have remained around 30 °C [2].
"Today is Ipchu, which marks the beginning of autumn, but the weather is still very hot," a YTN anchor said [3].
YTN caster Won Ida said that the outdoors feel like a steamer all day, making autumn feel far away [3].
While the capital region struggles with heat, the Yeongdong area in eastern South Korea faces a different threat. A low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rain to the region over the weekend, with forecasts predicting up to 150 mm of rainfall [1].
Local authorities are monitoring both the extreme heat in the west and the potential for flooding in the east. The simultaneous occurrence of record-breaking heat and heavy precipitation creates a complex emergency management scenario for the government.
“Seoul is expected to experience its highest temperature of the year for the fifth consecutive day.”
The overlap of a record-breaking heatwave in the capital and heavy precipitation in the east suggests a volatile atmospheric environment. When extreme heat persists beyond the traditional seasonal transition of Ipchu, it can strain urban infrastructure and public health systems, while the simultaneous risk of heavy rain in Yeongdong increases the likelihood of flash floods and landslides.
