Record heat grips South Korea as temperatures exceed 40C on 'Start of Autumn' day

South Korea is enduring a relentless heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in numerous cities, including Seoul, on August 7, a day that traditionally signifies the beginning of autumn.

The mercury climbed to 40.8 degrees Celsius in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, and reached 40.2 degrees in Seoul (Nowon). Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province and Yongin in Gyeonggi Province also recorded highs above 40 degrees. The extreme heat has led to "heatwave severe warnings" being issued for 51 regions, predominantly in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and North Gyeongsang provinces, highlighting the severe risk to public health.

This period has seen a significant number of "heatwave days," defined as days with maximum temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius or higher. Nationwide, the average number of such days from June 1 to August 6 stands at 14.8, ranking as the fourth highest on record for the period. Nighttime "tropical nights," where temperatures do not fall below 25 degrees Celsius, have been even more extreme, with 13 such nights recorded, making it the highest on record.

Meteorologists anticipate a change in the weather pattern over the weekend. The high-pressure system currently dominating the Korean Peninsula is expected to weaken and shift northwestward. This shift could bring cooler air from the north, which, upon crossing the Taebaek Mountains, will turn into a southerly wind, potentially causing heavy rainfall in the eastern coastal regions, including Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces, as well as Jeju Island. While the peak of the extreme heat may pass, temperatures are still expected to remain high, with many areas likely to experience highs above 35 degrees Celsius.