South Korea will experience continued hot weather through the weekend with daytime temperatures expected to rise above 30 °C in most areas [2].
These early-summer atmospheric conditions pose potential health risks to the public due to the combination of sustained heat, intense sunshine, and poor air quality.
In Seoul, the temperature reached 31 °C on Friday [1]. This warming trend is expected to persist across the country, including western regions and southern Gyeonggi-do Province [1, 2].
Forecasters said that UV radiation levels will remain "very high" [2]. Residents are advised to take precautions against sun exposure as the strong sunshine continues to impact the peninsula.
Air quality is also a concern for those in specific regions. Ozone concentrations in southern Gyeonggi-do Province are forecast to be "very bad" [2]. This degradation of air quality often accompanies high temperatures and stagnant atmospheric conditions.
Authorities said they are monitoring the situation as the heat persists from Friday through Sunday [1, 2]. The combination of high heat and poor ozone levels can exacerbate respiratory issues, and heat-related illnesses among the general public.
“Daytime temperatures are expected to rise above 30 °C in most areas.”
The convergence of high temperatures, elevated UV radiation, and poor ozone levels indicates a volatile early-summer weather pattern. While 30 °C is not an extreme peak for summer, the simultaneous decline in air quality and increase in radiation creates a compounded environmental stressor for urban populations, particularly in the Gyeonggi-do region.
