"This Summer, Heatwaves Over 40°C Hit the Korean Peninsula... Heavy Rainfall Also More Frequent Than Usual"

Professor Kim Haedong of Keimyung University Department of Earth Environmental Science Outlook

There is a forecast that temperatures on the Korean Peninsula could rise up to 40 degrees Celsius this coming summer.

Professor Kim Hae-dong of the Department of Earth Environment at Keimyung University appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 14th and predicted this summer's weather by saying, "These days, summer can be summed up in four characters: heatwave and heavy rain."

"The World Meteorological Organization and others said, 'This year's global climate will be similar to that of 2016,'" he said. "That was the second year after the establishment of the super El Ni?o." He explained, "In the history of meteorological observations, years with extreme weather phenomena occurred within two years after El Ni?o was established, that is, in the second year. Since El Ni?o has been established continuously since March last year, peaked at the end of last year, and has now dissipated, this year is the second year after the establishment of El Ni?o." This indicates that extreme heat is expected. He predicted, "In recent overseas news, temperatures in the low 40s Celsius do not make headlines. Temperatures of 47-48 degrees, 51 degrees, and so on are surpassed. Korea will not be able to claim 40 degrees as a big deal either."

He also said, "Our country's climate has changed in terms of seasons and precipitation patterns." He analyzed, "In the past, Korea was a winter-centered country, with cold seasons lasting at least from November to April, but recently, even April and November can be considered meteorological summer..."

He also warned of many typhoons after August. He predicted, "After August this year, there will be more than 50% more typhoons compared to usual years. The path of those typhoons is very likely to open toward the Korean Peninsula." He added, "Heatwaves are a serious problem, but heavy rain caused by typhoons is something that even people living indoors cannot avoid. I worry a lot about whether we can meet people in good health this fall," and said, "This year really feels like walking on thin ice."

The World Already Boiling

Heatwaves are already in full swing around the world. In some parts of China, surface temperatures have exceeded 60 degrees Celsius, and some places have surpassed 70 degrees. Seventy degrees is enough to cause burns if you do not wear shoes. The China Meteorological Administration advised, "Surface temperatures may remain similar or rise for several days," and warned, "Do not take children, who are relatively more affected by surface temperatures due to their short stature, or pets outside."

In Greece, daytime temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, leading to the closure of major tourist sites such as the Acropolis. Egypt is expected to see daytime temperatures approaching 50 degrees this weekend, and most parts of the United States are forecasted to experience 'dangerous' levels of heat through next week.