Seoul Faces Fourth Consecutive Day of Heatwave Warning... Scorching Heat Unstoppable Even by Showers

The heatwave that began immediately after the end of the monsoon season is expected to continue this week. The highest temperature will soar to 36 degrees Celsius, and occasional showers will only increase humidity without lowering the temperature.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) as of 10 a.m. on the 31st, heatwave warnings have been issued for most regions nationwide, including Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, Sejong, Gwangju, Chungju, Cheongju, Wonju, and Chuncheon. The KMA expects the heatwave to persist throughout the week. The mid-term forecast predicts a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius, with high humidity causing the perceived temperature across the country to rise to around 35 degrees Celsius in many areas.

This heatwave is attributed to the hot and humid subtropical high pressure system covering the inland areas. The scorching sunlight raises the temperature, and the clouds covering the sky block heat from escaping, sustaining the stifling heat.

Showers are forecasted in various parts of the country until today, but they are not expected to cool down the heat. The heavy rain advisory issued for some areas in Gyeonggi Province (Icheon, Gwangju, Yeoju) was lifted at 4 a.m. today. There is a possibility of strong showers ranging from 5 to 40 mm in most inland areas today; although temperatures may temporarily drop, once the rain stops, temperatures and humidity will quickly rise again, potentially increasing the perceived temperature.

More severe heat is expected in August. The KMA forecasts that temperatures on August 1st and 2nd will be 1 to 2 degrees higher than the previous day. Additionally, tropical nights are expected to occur frequently, especially in urban and coastal areas.

The KMA urged caution regarding heat-related illnesses due to the heatwave, advising sufficient intake of water and salt, avoiding intense outdoor activities and greenhouse work as much as possible, and for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses to regularly check their health condition.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Khanun, the 6th typhoon of the season, is expected to make landfall inland through southern Shanghai, China, between August 2nd and 3rd. The typhoon is forecasted to strengthen to a 'strong' intensity, equivalent to the power of a 'train derailment.' The sea surface temperature near Jeju is 27 degrees Celsius, about 1 degree higher than average, allowing Khanun to gain strength as it moves northward. Due to the typhoon's influence, very high waves are forecasted in the seas around Jeju and the southern sea until August 4th.

However, no heavy rain due to the typhoon's northward movement has been forecasted. The KMA has only predicted rain in Jeju from Thursday, August 3rd to 4th, and no precipitation has been forecasted inland during Khanun's approach. The probability of precipitation nationwide, excluding Jeju, during this period is up to 40%.

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