The ongoing heatwave is significantly more intense than what can be considered just “a hot summer.” The most representative area is Yangsan, Gyeongnam. Daytime temperatures reached 41.6 degrees Celsius on the 1st and 42.5 degrees Celsius on the 2nd, remaining above 40 degrees Celsius for five straight days. This is the highest temperature ever recorded in Yangsan since 1973, breaking the previous national record of 41.0 degrees Celsius in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province (August 1, 2018).
The main concern is that the high temperatures are not temporary, but rather ongoing. During the day, heat reaches approximately 40 degrees Celsius, and at night, the temperature does not decrease enough, leaving no opportunity for the human body to recover. This greatly raises the risk of heat-related health issues. For the elderly, individuals with chronic conditions, and those working outdoors, the heat has become more than just uncomfortable—it now presents a danger to life. Ultra-tropical nights—where the minimum temperature remains above 30 degrees Celsius—have been recorded in Gangneung and Sokcho.
This occurrence is due to intersecting elements. A robust high-pressure zone surrounding the Korean Peninsula has maintained atmospheric stability and decreased cloud formation. When this interacts with the arrival of warm, moist air, heat struggles to escape even during the night. The main point is that the heat extends beyond daylight hours; if temperatures stay above 30 degrees Celsius at night, the human body is unable to cool, leading to health dangers.
In the days ahead, winds will change to an eastern direction, extending the heatwave towards the Capital Region. Although southern areas are currently facing extreme daytime temperatures, this week’s evolving pressure systems and wind patterns will move the heatwave’s core westward. Easterly winds passing over the Taebaek Mountains will generate a föhn effect, resulting in hot and dry air on the western side of the mountain range. As a result, temperatures in western regions, including the Capital Region, could increase significantly. The Capital Region, encompassing Seoul, is also vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, which retains heat, possibly increasing the perceived intensity of the heatwave.
The route of Typhoon Dolphin (the 13th typhoon) might be an important factor. However, it’s too early to conclude that the typhoon will definitely end the heatwave. Should the typhoon deviate from the Korean Peninsula, its effect on the heatwave could be minimal. Therefore, the typhoon’s movement northward will decide if the heatwave continues or eases.
It’s still premature to assert that heatwaves reaching 40 degrees Celsius will happen every year. Nevertheless, there are evident indicators. From a scientific perspective, it is clear that climate change will lead to more frequent, severe, and prolonged heatwaves. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also notes that extreme heat and heatwaves will become more common and intense as global temperatures rise. Hence, instead of claiming outright that “40 degrees Celsius is the new standard,” it is more precise to state, “Extreme heatwaves, which were once seen as rare events, are now a tangible threat that we need to be ready for.”
What we need to be cautious about is not only the single-digit number of 40 degrees Celsius but also the merging of extended heatwaves with nights that do not experience a drop in temperature. Should these trends continue, they may place pressure on public health by causing heat-related ailments, as well as on energy grids, farming, work settings, and city structures. The IPCC has also pointed out the heightened danger of heat-related fatalities in South Korea because of global warming. Preparedness at the national level for heatwaves is anticipated to become more essential over time.
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