Seoul Braces for Potential Record 40°C Heat as Heatwave Grips South Korea

Seoul could experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in its recorded meteorological history, as the capital is forecast to reach a high of 39 degrees Celsius on August 6. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) noted that the average absolute error in its maximum temperature forecasts is about 1 degree Celsius, suggesting the possibility of breaking the 40-degree mark.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Seoul, based on modern meteorological observations starting in October 1907 at the Seoul Meteorological Observatory, was 39.6 degrees Celsius on August 1, 2018. The second highest was 38.4 degrees Celsius on July 24, 1994. However, using Automatic Weather Station (AWS) data, temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius were recorded in nine locations, including Seocho (41.1 degrees) and Gangnam (40 degrees), in 2018.

On August 7, Seoul's daytime high is also predicted to be 39 degrees Celsius. A severe heatwave warning remains in effect for many parts of the Seoul metropolitan area, with the capital experiencing consecutive days of severe warnings since August 4.

Nationwide, heatwave warnings have been issued for 226 out of 235 monitored land areas, covering 96.1% of the country. Of these, 36 areas are under severe warnings, while 49 are under regular warnings and 141 under advisories. This intense heatwave follows a period of extreme temperatures, with the KMA having previously issued warnings for August 3, indicating widespread high temperatures across the country.