Extreme heat, described as a "boiling pot heat wave," has moved from the Yeongnam region, where temperatures soared around 40 degrees Celsius, to the capital region and central areas of South Korea.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the extreme heat that has been baking the southern regions is now spreading significantly to the western parts of the central region, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Chungcheong, driven by easterly winds.
The primary cause of this shift in wind direction is Typhoon 13, known as Dolphin, which is moving northward. The typhoon's counterclockwise rotation is pushing strong easterly winds into the Korean Peninsula, causing a phenomenon known as the Föhn effect, where moist air becomes dry and hot as it crosses the Taebaek Mountains.
The hot winds that have crossed the mountain range are directly impacting the western regions, leading to a dramatic rise in temperatures in the capital area. In response to the rapidly worsening situation, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued a top-level heat wave warning for all of Seoul and major areas in Gyeonggi Province. This warning is issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius or the daily maximum temperature is forecasted to exceed 39 degrees Celsius, marking the first time such a warning has been issued for the capital region since weather observations began.
In fact, the perceived temperature in some areas of the capital region is nearing 40 degrees Celsius. The Korea Meteorological Administration predicts that this extreme heat wave will persist for at least 10 days, depending on the typhoon's path.
The ongoing record-breaking heat has sparked intense reactions from netizens. One user remarked, "The moment I step outside, it feels like entering a sauna, something I've never experienced in decades."
Other users shared their experiences, saying, "I attempted to go for a night run for the first time in my life but gave up," and "Was it really nothing until now?" Another commented, "Experiencing 34 degrees or 39 degrees feels the same in this heat," while another expressed despair, saying, "It seems like it will only get hotter from here. In about 30 years, will we be saying 37 degrees feels cool?" One user questioned, "Is it really only 34 degrees?"
Meanwhile, the Korea Meteorological Administration has urged the public to immediately cease strenuous outdoor activities and to stay hydrated, as the risk of heat-related illnesses is expected to peak in the coming days.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.