Record-Breaking Early July Temperatures
Seoul Faces Second Consecutive Day of Heatwave Warning
Around 2 p.m. on the 8th, the temperature in Seoul rose to 37.1 degrees Celsius, marking the highest early July temperature ever recorded since weather observations began in 1907.
The previous highest early July temperature was 36.8 degrees Celsius, recorded in July 1939. If temperatures continue to rise during the day, this record could be broken again.
On the 8th, when a heatwave warning was in effect, the current temperature was displayed on a sculpture in Songpa District, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Yonhap News reported on the 8th that this was the hottest early July day in 117 years. For the entire month of July, this ranks as the ninth highest temperature on record. The highest July temperature was recorded in 1994, when it reached 38.4 degrees Celsius.
By region, daytime temperatures approached 39 degrees Celsius. According to the Automatic Weather Observation System (AWS), the highest temperature in the city was recorded in Guro at 38.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Geumcheon District at 38.7 degrees, Dongjak District (Hyeonchungwon) at 38.4 degrees, Gwangjin District at 38.1 degrees, Yongsan District at 38.0 degrees, Gangseo District at 37.9 degrees, Seongdong District at 37.6 degrees, Dongdaemun District at 37.8 degrees, and Seocho District at 37.7 degrees.
The Korea Meteorological Administration explained that due to the influence of a high-pressure system over the northern East Sea, clear skies and easterly winds led to intense heat, especially west of the Taebaek Mountains. The easterly winds, which have brought heat to the Seoul metropolitan area and other western regions, are expected to subside around the 11th.
Even after the easterly winds subside, it is highly likely that the heat will persist. Hot and humid southerly winds are expected to continue, resulting in muggy weather conditions.
On the 8th, heatwave warnings were in effect as heat haze rose on Yeouidaero in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Meanwhile, Seoul entered a heatwave warning at 10 a.m. on the previous day (the 7th). This is 18 days earlier than last year, which saw the "worst heat on record." In response, all 25 districts are maintaining a cooperative system with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, operating situation rooms and stockpiling cooling and emergency relief supplies to prepare for potential heatwave damage.
The city plans to thoroughly carry out care activities, such as checking on vulnerable groups including the elderly, homeless individuals, and residents of small rooming houses. In addition, the city will continue to operate water-spraying vehicles and inspect heatwave mitigation facilities, while also focusing on strengthening protections for outdoor workers.
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