Temperatures in eastern South Korea have risen above 35°C this Monday, with extreme heat expected to persist across several coastal and inland regions [1].
This sudden spike in temperature poses significant public health risks as the region prepares for a volatile transition from extreme heat to heavy monsoon rainfall.
By 11 a.m., Samcheok Sin-gi-myeon recorded a temperature of 35.3°C [1]. Other eastern locations, including Yeongdeok and Gangneung, also saw temperatures climb above 35°C [1]. Meanwhile, Gyeongju and Daegu reported temperatures exceeding 34°C [1].
Weather officials expect the heat to intensify throughout the day. Midday forecasts predict that Gyeongsan will reach 38°C and Daegu will hit 37°C [1].
Kim Min-kyung, a reporter for YTN, said temperatures across the country surpassed 30°C starting in the morning, but the eastern regions were the first to break the 35°C mark [1].
Meteorologists attribute this extreme weather to the combined influence of two high-pressure systems. The North Pacific high-pressure system and the Tibetan high-pressure system are currently acting together to trap heat over the peninsula [1].
Relief from the heat may arrive shortly, though it comes with its own risks. Forecasts indicate that monsoon rains, known as jang-mat-bi, are expected to return starting tomorrow night [1].
“Samcheok Sin-gi-myeon recorded a temperature of 35.3°C”
The simultaneous influence of the North Pacific and Tibetan high-pressure systems creates a 'double high' effect that intensifies heatwaves in East Asia. The rapid shift from extreme heat to monsoon rains can increase humidity levels, exacerbating heat stress and increasing the risk of flash flooding in regions already strained by temperature extremes.
