The heat engulfing the Korean Peninsula is expected to peak this week, with temperatures soaring to around 37 degrees Celsius in Seoul and the surrounding areas. This intense heat, which has primarily affected the southern regions, is now forecasted to impact the western areas due to changes in lower atmospheric winds.
According to a meteorological analyst, the prevailing westerly winds have shifted to easterly winds, drastically altering the pressure distribution over the Korean Peninsula. The Korea Meteorological Administration stated, "Unlike last week, this week we expect temperatures exceeding 37 degrees Celsius in the western regions due to the easterly winds crossing the Taebaek Mountains."
The primary cause of this heat wave is the 'Foehn effect' caused by the easterly winds. Humid air from the eastern seas rises over the Taebaek Mountains, precipitating rain, and transforms into hot, dry winds as it descends the western slopes. This process results in a buildup of hot air that directly impacts the western regions, including the capital area and parts of Chungcheong and Honam.
Additionally, a 'double high-pressure' system in the upper atmosphere is intensifying the heat at ground level. The Tibetan high-pressure system continuously pushes hot, dry westerly air, while the North Pacific high-pressure system releases warm, humid air, turning the entire Korean Peninsula into a massive heat trap. The combination of westerly pressure in the upper atmosphere and the easterly Foehn effect at ground level has created a 'heat dome' that retains heat in the western regions.
As a result, daytime temperatures in Seoul are expected to hover around 37 degrees Celsius from early in the week through Wednesday, potentially setting a record for the hottest temperature this summer. The tropical night phenomenon, where temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Celsius at night, is also expected to prolong sleepless nights for residents.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has urged the public to refrain from outdoor activities and to stay hydrated, citing concerns over a surge in heat-related illnesses, power supply overloads, and damage to agricultural products.
In response to the forecast, netizens expressed their concerns, with comments such as, "It was cool until June, but now it's unbearable," and "We need a typhoon to cool things down..." Others shared their experiences, saying, "I went on a trip two days ago and we just ended up arguing; being outdoors only increases stress," and "I just returned from Thailand, and it's even hotter here..."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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