Hot temperatures expanded nationwide, with advisories issued in 92 regions nationwide on June 19, including in Seoul. - PHOTO: EPA-EFE via The Straits Times/ANN
SEOUL (Korea Herald/ANN): It’s official: South Korea is experiencing its hottest June ever, and by a significant margin.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) on June 23, regions across the country recorded an average of 2.4 heat wave days from June 1 to 20, which is four times the average from 1991 to 2020.
The previous record was set in 2018, when there were 1.5 heat wave days. KMA defines a heat wave day as one where daytime temperatures soar above 33 deg C.
The first 2024 heat wave warnings, issued when high temperatures of 33 deg C or more are projected to continue for two or more days, were announced June 10 in regions including Daegu, Ulsan and Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province. This was a week earlier than 2023’s first warnings, issued on June 17.
Hot temperatures spread nationwide, with advisories issued in 92 regions on June 19, including in Seoul.
The weather agency attributes the early summer heat to a migratory anticyclone, which brought more sunny days and hot air due to south-westerly winds.
The KMA anticipates the high temperatures to temporarily cool down as the monsoon season is expected nationwide soon.
The rainy season began on Jeju Island on June 19, stretching towards the southern mainland on June 22.
The KMA forecast that average temperatures next week will be similar to or slightly above normal, with morning temperatures expected to range between 18 and 24 deg C and daytime temperatures from 25 to 31 deg C.
But once the rainy season ends, the summer heat will begin in earnest, the KMA said, with high humidity levels making it feel even hotter.
The weather agency warned that summer is just beginning. South Korea will usher in a full-fledged summer in July and August, with intensifying heat waves nationwide. - THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
