Seoul recorded a maximum temperature of 35 °C on Sunday, marking the highest temperature the city has seen so far this summer [1].
The surge in heat has triggered immediate public health alerts and highlights the increasing volatility of East Asian summer weather patterns. The Korea Meteorological Administration said it issued both a heat-wave warning and a tropical-night warning for the capital region.
Meteorologists said the extreme conditions are due to the interaction of two hot high-pressure systems currently positioned over the North Pacific [2]. This atmospheric setup has allowed humid southerly air to flow inland, which, combined with local topographic effects, has intensified the heat across the peninsula [2].
In addition to the capital, the southern Gyeongsangbuk-do region, specifically around Port-Gyeongsan, saw its first severe heat-wave warning of the season [1]. The intensity of the heat is described as being akin to using a heater and a hair dryer while covered in two blankets [2].
The Korea Meteorological Administration said night-time low temperatures are expected to exceed 25 °C [1]. This threshold defines a tropical night, where the lack of nocturnal cooling increases the risk of heat-related illness for residents.
Officials are monitoring the situation as the humid air continues to move through the region. The combination of high humidity and extreme temperatures often elevates the perceived heat index, making the environment more dangerous for vulnerable populations.
“Seoul recorded a maximum temperature of 35 °C, marking the highest temperature the city has seen so far this summer.”
The simultaneous occurrence of severe heat-wave warnings in both the northern capital and the southern Gyeongsangbuk-do region indicates a widespread atmospheric event rather than a localized spike. The presence of dual high-pressure systems suggests a stagnant weather pattern that may prolong these extreme temperatures, increasing the strain on urban energy grids and public health infrastructure due to the lack of nocturnal cooling.
