Extreme heat is threatening tomato production in southern Yongin, Gyeonggi province, as greenhouse temperatures climb well above outdoor levels [1].

This surge in temperature risks damaging crop growth and reducing overall yields, which could impact local food supplies and farmer livelihoods.

A heatwave warning was issued yesterday at 2 p.m. [1]. As of 11 a.m. today, the outdoor temperature in the region was 32.2°C [1]. However, the conditions inside the plastic greenhouses are more severe, with internal temperatures reaching approximately 38°C [1].

Reporter Cho Kyung-won of YTN News visited the affected greenhouses to document the conditions. The combination of high heat and humidity has created a stifling environment for both the plants and the workers. "The air is hot and the humidity is also high, so the inside of the house is truly like a steamer," Cho said [1].

Farmers in the region are struggling to manage the internal climate of the greenhouses to protect the tomato plants. Because these structures trap heat, the internal temperature remains several degrees higher than the outside air, creating a precarious environment for sensitive produce.

Cho said that the region remains under a strict heatwave warning as temperatures continue to fluctuate [1]. The persistence of these conditions may lead to further production losses if cooling measures prove insufficient.

“The inside of the house is truly like a steamer”

The disparity between outdoor and indoor temperatures in plastic greenhouses highlights the vulnerability of specialized agriculture to extreme weather events. As heatwaves intensify, the 'steamer' effect in these structures can push crops past their biological thresholds, potentially leading to market shortages and increased prices for produce.