This March Also Recorded Record-High Temperatures... Second Warmest After 2018

National Average Temperature 7.9°C
Average High Temperature Also 14.1°C
Precipitation 28.1mm, Ranked 8th Lowest
Will the High Temperature Trend Continue Through Summer?

Schematic diagram of the global atmospheric pressure system as of March this year (Provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration)

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] This spring, the trend of record-high temperatures continues.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced on the 3rd that the nationwide average temperature in March was 7.9°C, the second highest since 1973.

This ranks just below the highest March average temperature of 8.1°C recorded in 2018, the year with the most summer heatwave days (31.4 days). The average maximum temperature in March this year was also 14.1°C, ranking third highest on record.

Since January and February this year both recorded historically high average temperatures, the trend of elevated temperatures has continued. The polar vortex and jet stream trapped cold air in the Arctic, temporarily blocking the southward movement of cold air. The KMA explained, "Similar to last winter, temperatures in the Siberian region remained about 2°C higher than average, preventing the strong development of the cold and dry Siberian high pressure."

Although there was a cold snap in early March, from March 18 to 27, alternating influences of mobile high and low pressure systems brought warm southern winds and strong solar radiation, causing temperatures to rise significantly. The total sunshine hours in March were 246.6 hours, ranking third highest.

Nationwide precipitation was 28.1 mm, lower than the average (47.3?59.8 mm), ranking eighth lowest. Although rainfall was low last month, the cumulative precipitation nationwide over the past six months (423.3 mm) was 172% of the average (244.1 mm), so drought is not a concern at this stage.

The trend of high temperatures is expected to continue through summer. The KMA forecasts that average temperatures in April and May will also be higher than normal, following March. Early summer in June is expected to have temperatures similar to or higher than average. The KMA predicts that summer temperatures will be similar to or higher than normal, with many hot days expected in the latter part of the season.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.