South Korea is experiencing an extreme heat wave that has already set a national record for the longest duration of tropical nights [1].
This weather pattern poses significant public health risks as the country faces a persistent "heat dome" effect. The combination of extreme daytime highs and nights where temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius prevents the environment and human bodies from recovering from heat stress.
According to Lee Jae-jeong, a forecaster with K-Weather, the current conditions are driven by a dual high-pressure system. The North Pacific high-pressure system has formed in the lower atmosphere, while the Tibetan high-pressure system has formed in the upper atmosphere [1]. This atmospheric layering traps heat over the peninsula.
Historical data suggests the potential for further temperature spikes. Lee said that on Aug. 1, 2018, Hongcheon in Gangwon Province recorded 41 degrees Celsius [1]. That mark remains the highest single-day temperature ever recorded in South Korea. On that same date, Seoul reached 39.6 degrees Celsius, which was the highest temperature ever recorded for the capital [1].
Despite these historical benchmarks, experts suggest the current crisis may intensify. Anchor Kim Sun-young said that while the heat is currently extreme, it has not yet reached its peak [1].
Some projections indicate that daytime highs could eventually exceed 41 degrees Celsius [1]. This possibility is linked to the continuing heat dome phenomenon, which maintains high temperatures across the region regardless of the time of day.
“the heat is currently extreme, it has not yet reached its peak”
The synchronization of the North Pacific and Tibetan high-pressure systems creates a stagnant atmospheric cap that prevents cooler air from entering the region. By breaking the record for tropical night duration, South Korea is seeing a shift where nighttime cooling is no longer sufficient to mitigate the effects of daytime extremes, potentially increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths.
