South Korea has experienced the highest number of tropical nights in 54 years, surpassing a previous record set in 1994 [1, 2].
This surge in nighttime temperatures indicates a prolonged heatwave that prevents the environment from cooling down, increasing the risk of heat-related fatalities and chronic health issues for the population.
The extreme weather has been felt nationwide, though the Yeongnam region has faced the most intense conditions. In Yangsan, temperatures reached a maximum of 39 °C [3]. Other areas heavily impacted by the heat include Daegu and Gyeongnam [4].
Tropical nights, defined by high temperatures that persist after sunset, have created a cycle of heat that stresses both urban infrastructure and public health systems. The intensity of this summer has led to a spike in medical emergencies. In a single day, 72 people were reported to have suffered from heat-related illnesses [5].
Local authorities have focused on the Yeongnam area as the epicenter of the current crisis. The persistent high temperatures in this region have contributed significantly to the national record, making this the most severe tropical-night event in over five decades [1, 4].
Public health officials continue to monitor the situation as the heatwave persists. The breaking of the 1994 record marks a significant shift in the regional climate patterns observed during the summer months [2].
“South Korea has experienced the highest number of tropical nights in 54 years”
The surpassing of the 1994 record suggests a trend toward more frequent and intense nocturnal heatwaves in East Asia. When nighttime temperatures remain high, the human body cannot recover from daytime heat stress, which typically leads to higher mortality rates among elderly populations and increased energy demand for cooling systems.
