Unexpected Heatwave... Gumi Records Highest Temperature of 28.5°C Since Weather Observations Began

Early Summer in March
Gumi Sets New March Record with 28.5 Degrees in 52 Years of Weather Observations

On the 21st, when the weather was fully spring-like, citizens enjoyed a walk while admiring the cornelian cherries in full bloom at Cheonggyecheon in Seoul. 2025.3.21 Photo by Jo Yongjun

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, on the 23rd, the temperature in Gumi, Gyeongbuk rose to 28.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in March since weather observations began in Gumi in January 1973. The previous record was 27.3 degrees Celsius on March 29, 1998.

In addition to the Yeongnam region including Daegu (daily high of 27.9 degrees), Andong (25.7 degrees), Hapcheon (27.9 degrees), Gyeongju (27.8 degrees), Miryang (27.2 degrees), Yeongcheon (27.1 degrees), Uiryeong (26.9 degrees), and Gimhae (26.6 degrees), new March high temperature records were also set in the Chungcheong region including Daejeon (26.4 degrees) and Cheongju (26.1 degrees), as well as in the southern Gyeonggi region including Icheon (25.5 degrees).

Seoul (24.0 degrees), Chuncheon (24.3 degrees), Chungju (25.2 degrees), and Jeonju (26.2 degrees) recorded the second highest March temperatures ever on that day.

The reason why temperatures in the Yeongnam region were particularly high, reaching early summer levels, was due to westerly winds. The westerly winds blowing into Korea become hotter and drier as they cross the Baekdudaegan mountain range.

This is because of the foehn phenomenon, where the air cools and dries as it ascends the mountain, then warms again as it descends on the other side, becoming hotter and drier than before.

The Korea Meteorological Administration expects that temperatures will remain 3 to 11 degrees higher than average for the time being, and that the atmosphere will continue to be very dry, especially east of the Baekdudaegan mountain range.

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