‘After Heavy Rain Comes Scorching Heat’... Heatwave Warnings Issued Across Gwangju and Jeonnam

Distribution map of the lowest temperatures in Gwangju and Jeonnam. Photo by Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] As the heavy rain of up to 600mm passed through the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions, sweltering heat is immediately taking hold.

According to the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration on the 14th, a hot and humid southwesterly wind is flowing in from the edge of the North Pacific High, preventing temperatures from dropping sufficiently, resulting in tropical nights occurring in most areas of Gwangju and Jeonnam overnight.

The lowest temperatures recorded overnight were 26.9℃ in Jindo, 26.7℃ in Haenam, 26.5℃ in Gwangju and Yeonggwang, 26.4℃ in Wando, 26.3℃ in Jangseong and Mokpo, 26.2℃ in Muan, 25.9℃ in Yeosu and Suncheon, 25.8℃ in Damyang, 25.6℃ in Gangjin and Sinan, 25.4℃ in Gwangyang and Yeongam, and 25.1℃ in Naju.

A tropical night is a phenomenon where the lowest temperature during the night (from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day) remains above 25℃.

Heatwave warnings are also in effect in various locations.

Currently, a ‘Heatwave Warning’ is issued for Damyang and Gokseong, while a ‘Heatwave Advisory’ is in place for the rest of the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions (excluding Heuksando and Hongdo). It is expected to be very hot with daytime highs rising above 32℃ until the 16th as the area remains under the edge of the North Pacific High.

Between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. today, showers of 5 to 40mm due to atmospheric instability are expected mainly in the inland eastern Jeonnam areas such as Gurye and Gokseong.

A Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration official said, “Due to high humidity, the perceived temperature will be even higher, and there is a possibility that heatwave warnings will be strengthened. Especially at night, temperatures and humidity remain high causing tropical nights in some areas, so please take special care to avoid damage to health, agriculture, livestock, and industry.”