South Korea is experiencing a prolonged heatwave with upgraded warnings and a return of tropical nights across the country on Monday [1].
The persistent high temperatures are straining public health and infrastructure, while a rare lack of summer typhoons has altered traditional weather patterns for the region.
Seoul recorded its first tropical night in nine days [1]. Heat warnings have expanded to cover various regions, including Busan, Gyeonggi, and Chungcheong [1]. The current weather conditions follow the 'Cheoseo' period, a traditional marker for the end of summer heat, yet temperatures remain high [1].
Data shows the nationwide average number of tropical nights this summer reached 16 days [1]. This figure marks the second-highest total since observations began in 1973 [1].
Meteorologists said that while typhoons have formed in the tropical waters south of the peninsula, they have not made landfall in South Korea [1], [2]. Most of these storms tracked toward southern China or the southern seas of Japan, or simply dissipated over the ocean [1], [2].
If this trend continues, this season will mark the third consecutive summer without a typhoon affecting the Korean peninsula [1]. The last typhoon to impact the region was Typhoon Kanun in August 2023 [1].
Despite the quiet summer, analysts said that the risk of typhoons may increase during the autumn months [1].
Jung Hye-yoon, a reporter for YTN, said that the absence of these storms has contributed to the current atmospheric conditions [1].
“The nationwide average number of tropical nights this summer reached 16 days.”
The rare three-year absence of summer typhoons suggests a shift in regional storm tracks, which typically provide a cooling effect and necessary rainfall. While the lack of landfalls prevents immediate storm damage, it correlates with extreme heat and record-breaking tropical nights. The potential for an active autumn typhoon season means the region may face a condensed window of high-intensity weather events following a period of extreme heat.
