Record-Breaking Heat in 2024...
More Pronounced Early and Late Heatwaves
Over the past decade, the number of heatwave and tropical night days in Gwangju and Jeonnam has increased by more than five days compared to the average.
Over the past decade, the number of heatwave and tropical night days in Gwangju and Jeonnam has increased by more than five days compared to the average, and 2024 has been recorded as the hottest year since observations began. Yonhap News
According to the "Characteristics of Heatwaves and Tropical Nights in Gwangju and Jeonnam," released by the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration on July 3, the annual average number of heatwave days from 2015 to last year was 12.7 days, while the number of tropical night days was 18.4 days. This represents an increase of 5.3 days and 7 days, respectively, compared to the average.
The Korea Meteorological Administration explained that there was little change until the 2000s, but a clear upward trend has been observed since the 2010s. In particular, last year saw 33.1 heatwave days and 37.8 tropical night days, marking the longest period of heat since weather observations began in 1973.
The hottest year on record was 2024, followed by 1994, 2018, 2016, and 2013. Four of the five hottest years have occurred within the past 15 years. In 2010, the number of heatwave and tropical night days was found to have increased 1.9 times compared to the 1970s.
The timing of heatwaves and tropical nights has also changed. Previously, these phenomena were concentrated in July and August, but recently, they have also been observed in May, June, and September, indicating more pronounced early and late heat events.
The Korea Meteorological Administration stated that, due to the influence of the North Pacific High, hot and humid air has been flowing in, causing high daytime temperatures to persist into the night and resulting in the simultaneous occurrence of heatwaves and tropical nights.
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