High-humidity heat persists across South Korea with scattered showers expected in inland areas on Monday [1, 2].
This weather pattern is significant because it defies the traditional expectations of the 'Chuseo' solar term, which typically signals the end of the oppressive summer heat.
YTN weather caster Yoon Su-bin said a heatwave warning was issued for eastern Seoul for the first time in 15 days [1]. Current temperatures in Seoul were reported between 30.4°C [2] and 31.2°C [1].
Forecasts indicate temperatures will continue to climb. Midday temperatures in Seoul are expected to reach between 33°C [1] and 34°C [2]. Other regions will experience more extreme heat, with Jeonju and Daegu forecasted to hit 35°C [1].
Yoon said high humidity levels will make the perceived temperature feel one to two degrees higher than the actual recorded figures [1].
In addition to the heat, atmospheric instability is expected to trigger localized rainfall. Yoon said showers will pass through various inland areas with expected rainfall amounts ranging from five to 30 mm [1]. These brief showers are a result of the combination of lingering summer heat and high moisture levels in the atmosphere [1].
Regions specifically noted for these conditions include Seoul, eastern Gyeonggi, and the southern coast of Gangwon [1, 2].
“High-humidity heat persists across South Korea with scattered showers expected in inland areas.”
The persistence of extreme heat following Chuseo suggests a deviation from traditional seasonal transitions in South Korea. When high humidity accompanies these temperatures, it increases the heat index, elevating the risk of heat-related illness for the public despite the calendar moving toward autumn.
