"The saying that the heat subsides after Chuseo does not seem to hold true this year."
Although August 23 marks Chuseo, a seasonal point when summer heat is expected to wane, temperatures across the country are forecasted to exceed 30 degrees Celsius. In fact, rising humidity may make the heat feel even more intense than the actual temperatures.
Heat Advisory Continues with Highs of 34 Degrees on Chuseo
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the morning low temperatures on Chuseo will range from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs expected between 29 and 34 degrees. This is still higher or comparable to the average daytime highs of 27 to 31 degrees typically seen around this time.
Heat advisories remain in effect for parts of the capital region, southern inland areas of Gangwon, Chungcheong, and southern provinces, with the perceived temperatures likely to reach around 33 degrees in most regions for the time being.
In areas experiencing rain on Chuseo, temperatures may temporarily drop, but the heat is expected to return once the rain subsides.
The Korea Meteorological Administration attributes the ongoing hot weather to the influence of the North Pacific High, which is bringing warm and humid air into the country.
Will It Cool Down After August 23? Next Week Still Uncertain
Recent forecasts from the Korea Meteorological Administration suggest that above-average temperatures may persist into next week. This indicates that late summer heat could continue, with daytime highs reaching the low 30s.
This year, the ongoing influence of the North Pacific High after Chuseo could be a significant factor. If warm and humid air continues to flow in from the edges of the high, both temperatures and humidity will remain elevated, making it difficult for the heat to subside.
Analysis from the Korea Meteorological Administration shows that the duration of heat waves and tropical nights in Korea has been increasing over the years. Over the past 53 years, the average number of heat wave days has increased by 1.8 days every decade, while tropical nights have increased by 1.6 days. In the last decade, the number of heat wave days and tropical nights has risen approximately 2.2 times and 3 times, respectively, compared to the previous decade.
Notably, in recent years, heat waves have often extended into late August, and tropical nights have been observed from mid-August to early September. In coastal areas and Jeju, tropical nights may continue until early September even after heat waves have ended.
When Will the Heat End?
The challenge lies in pinpointing the exact date when the heat wave will conclude.
Temperatures can fluctuate significantly within days due to the strength of the North Pacific High, moisture around the Korean Peninsula, upper atmospheric pressure systems, and the movement of typhoons and tropical depressions.
However, based on past weather patterns and current forecasts, it seems that August 23 may not mark the end of the heat but rather a transition from the peak summer heat to late summer warmth.
The real indicators of the onset of autumn will likely be how quickly the intensity of the heat diminishes from late August and when nighttime temperatures begin to drop.
Current forecasts suggest that a clear arrival of autumn on Chuseo is unlikely this year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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