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Key Points

Seoul has shattered a 117-year-old record with 22 tropical nights in July, the highest ever recorded. The Korea Meteorological Administration warns the count could reach 23 days before the month ends. Nighttime temperatures barely dropped below 25°C, making sleep difficult for residents. Experts blame high-pressure systems and urban heat effects for the relentless heat.

Key Points: Seoul Breaks 117-Year Record With 22 Tropical Nights in July

  • Seoul hits 22 tropical nights in July, highest since 1908
  • Previous record was 21 days set in 1994
  • Nighttime low of 29.3°C could break July record
  • Urban heat island effect worsens conditions
2 min read

South Korea: Seoul suffers record 22 tropical nights for July

South Korea’s capital endures unprecedented heat as July sees record 22 tropical nights, with temperatures barely dropping below 25°C.

"Seoul was already hit by tropical nights during 70% of this month. – Korea Meteorological Administration"

Seoul, July 31

Seoul has experienced 22 tropical nights so far this month, setting a record high for July since modern weather observations began 117 years ago, the state weather service said on Thursday.

The nighttime temperature in the capital fell only to 29.3 degrees Celsius between Wednesday and Thursday, increasing the number of tropical nights in July to 22 days, the most since record-keeping began in 1908, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

The previous record was 21 days, set in July 1994. A tropical night refers to a phenomenon when nighttime temperatures stay above 25 degrees Celsius from 6:01 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following day.

With one more night left this month, the record could extend to 23 days, the KMA said, noting Seoul was already hit by tropical nights during 70 per cent of this month.

The KMA said last night's minimum temperature of 29.3 degrees Celsius is set to become the highest daily low for July on record, if the temperature does not fall below the level Thursday night. The previous record was 29.2 degrees Celsius, set on July 23, 2018.

The agency said the maximum daily temperatures will range from 31 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius nationwide on Thursday. Seoul, Daejeon and Daegu will see temperatures rise up to 36 degrees Celsius, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier on June 30, Seoul experienced its first tropical night of the season, as the capital's nighttime low was 25.6 degrees Celsius.

Seoul's tropical night was eight days later than last year's first tropical night that occurred on June 21, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

South Korea experiences tropical nights due to a combination of factors, including the presence of high-pressure systems, warm and humid air masses, and the urban heat island effect. These factors combine to prevent nighttime temperatures from dropping below 25 degrees Celsius, making it difficult for people to sleep and contributing to heat-related health issues.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
29.3°C at night?! That's like our afternoon temperature in Chennai! Can't imagine trying to sleep in that heat. AC bills must be skyrocketing in Seoul right now.
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Arjun K
Interesting to see how urban heat islands affect different countries. In India, we need to learn from this and implement better urban planning with more green spaces before our cities become unlivable.
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Sarah B
While the article is informative, it would be helpful to know what measures South Korea is taking to combat this. India could benefit from learning about their mitigation strategies.
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Karthik V
This makes me worried about our monsoon patterns too. When one part of Asia faces extreme heat, it affects weather systems everywhere. Hope our farmers don't suffer more erratic rains this year.
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Nisha Z
We Indians know heat, but 22 tropical nights straight is next level! Makes me appreciate our traditional cooling methods - maybe Seoul should try khus curtains and earthen pots like we use! 😄

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