South Korea: Extreme heat wave to persist through next week
Seoul, July 30
The ongoing heat wave is expected to continue for the time being, as the pressure system remains largely unchanged and hot and humid air continues to flow in from the south, the state weather service said Thursday.
The only change is that the hottest region will shift from the east to the west of the Baekdudaegan mountain range, which extends from the north to the south of the Korean Peninsula, the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) said, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The KMA said the current weather pattern, in which the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High sit over the peninsula simultaneously, will remain unchanged for the time being. Far from weakening over time, these high-pressure systems will instead strengthen further as the air heats up and expands, it noted.
The stagnant pressure systems, combined with the continued inflow of hot and humid air from the south, will maintain clear skies and intensify solar heating, resulting in extremely hot weather.
Indeed, the KMA forecast that morning temperatures would be similar to or slightly higher than average, and daytime temperatures would exceed the average from August 2 to August 9. The mercury will range from 24 to 27 C in the morning and from 33 to 39 C during the day from August 3 to August 9, it added.
The agency said the wind direction is expected to shift to an easterly wind around August 4, raising temperatures in the western part of the Baekdudaegan mountain range, including the Seoul metropolitan area.
Seoul's daytime high is expected to soar to 37 C on August 5, while that of Busan will remain at 34 C on the same day. The southeastern city of Daegu will see its daytime highs range from 38 to 39 C next week.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The meteorology details about the North Pacific High and Tibetan High are fascinating. We have our own monsoon dynamics here in India, but seeing how high-pressure systems work in different parts of Asia is always educational. Hope they have good AC infrastructure.
I visited Seoul last summer and it was already hot then. 37°C with humidity is no joke. Authorities should issue heatwave warnings and set up cooling centers like we do in Ahmedabad. Extreme weather is becoming more common everywhere due to climate change.
I'm concerned for the elderly and homeless in South Korea. In India, we have heat action plans for such extreme weather. Hope Korean authorities are doing similar preventive measures - checking on vulnerable people, ensuring water availability, etc. Every life matters.
I work in a K-pop related industry and many of my colleagues in Seoul are struggling. The air conditioners can't keep up when it's 37°C and humid. Time to bring back those traditional Korean summer remedies like samgyetang (chicken soup) for energy! 🍲 Stay strong, Korea!
Having lived in both Seoul and Mumbai, I can confirm this level of heat is dangerous. The article mentions the Tibetan High - interesting how Asian weather systems are interconnected. Global warming is making these heatwaves more intense. We need international cooperation on climate action.
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.