Even Taebaek, Known for No Heat Waves, Hit by Scorching Temperatures... Only Hallasan Excluded from Nationwide Heat Wave

Photo to aid understanding of the article. Asia Economy DB.

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On the morning of July 29, a heat wave advisory was issued for Taebaek in Gangwon Province, which had been the only inland area not under a heat wave alert. As a result, all inland regions across the country are now affected by heat wave advisories. A heat wave advisory is issued when the maximum perceived temperature is expected to remain at or above 33 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days. A heat wave warning is issued when the perceived temperature is expected to reach or exceed 35 degrees Celsius.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, out of 183 land-based weather advisory zones, 161 areas (88%) are currently under a heat wave warning, while 20 areas (11%) are under a heat wave advisory. The only area not under any heat wave alert is Hallasan (the mountainous areas of Jeju, including the central north and south regions).

The ongoing heat wave is due to the influence of the North Pacific high-pressure system, which is bringing clear skies and strong sunlight, as well as hot and humid southeasterly winds. While the Tibetan high-pressure system has split into two and shifted slightly away from Korea, it is still exerting some influence.

Taebaek is well-known for being a "no heat wave" area every summer. In August, the average maximum temperature in Taebaek is 26.0 degrees Celsius, making it relatively cooler than other regions. The average minimum temperature also remains below 20 degrees Celsius, making tropical nights rare.

The sunflower festival held every July and August in Taebaek. Taebaek City

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The main reason Taebaek has been able to avoid heat waves and tropical nights is its unique topography. The city is located in a highland basin at an altitude of 650 meters, surrounded by mountains ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level, which makes heat waves and tropical nights uncommon during summer. The residential areas are situated at about 900 meters above sea level, more than three times higher than Namsan in Seoul, which stands at 270 meters. In fact, the average maximum temperatures for July and August, based on the 1991?2020 average, are just 25.9 and 26.0 degrees Celsius, respectively. The number of days with a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius or higher (heat wave days) averages about 0.5 days each in July and August. Even on August 1 last year, when an unprecedented heat wave swept the country, a heat wave advisory was issued for Taebaek.

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