Seoul has recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in eight years, with extreme heat affecting various regions across the country.
While temperatures are expected to drop slightly over the weekend, many areas are still forecasted to experience daytime highs around 35 degrees Celsius.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, an automatic weather station in Nowon-gu recorded a temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius at 3:28 PM on August 7. This marks the first time temperatures in Seoul have surpassed 40 degrees since August 1, 2018, when a reading of 41.8 degrees was noted in Gangbuk-gu.
The previous day, an automatic weather station in Yeongdeungpo-gu also recorded 40.0 degrees, but this data is considered less reliable as the station is located on a school rooftop, potentially affected by heat from the building and air conditioning units.
The official temperature recorded at the Jongno-gu Seoul Weather Observatory also soared to 38.0 degrees.
The surrounding metropolitan area and southern regions also reported extreme heat, with the highest temperature of 40.7 degrees recorded in Deokpung-dong, Hanam, and 40.2 degrees in Gwangyang-eup, Gwangju.
Other areas, including Yeongwol in Gangwon Province, Geumsam-myeon in Yeoju, and Miryang in Gyeongnam, recorded temperatures close to 40 degrees, reaching 39.8 degrees.
This summer's heatwave and tropical nights have reached unprecedented levels. According to the meteorological agency, from June 1 to August 6, the average number of heatwave days (days with maximum temperatures above 33 degrees) was 14.8, making it the fourth highest since the national weather observation network was established in 1973.
The number of tropical nights, defined as nights with minimum temperatures above 25 degrees, averaged 13.0 days, the highest on record for the same period.
The meteorological agency predicts that the extreme heat will ease somewhat after today. However, on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, morning lows are expected to range from 21 to 26 degrees, with daytime highs between 26 and 35 degrees, indicating that the oppressive heat will continue.
The agency urges the public to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and to stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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