Seoul faces possibility of record-breaking 40C heat ahead of Ipchu

Seoul is bracing for a historic heatwave, with temperatures expected to hit 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 F) on August 6, just a day after the traditional start of autumn, "Ipchu." This forecast raises the possibility of the city surpassing its all-time highest temperature since modern meteorological observations began in 1907.

The current record stands at 39.6 degrees Celsius. While the 39-degree forecast falls just short of this mark, meteorologists caution that the average absolute error in temperature forecasts is about 1 degree Celsius, meaning actual temperatures could exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

This intense heat is caused by a combination of factors: the North Pacific high-pressure system and the upper-level Tibetan Plateau high-pressure system have converged over the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, Foehn winds, which occur when air descends on the leeward side of a mountain range, are making the air hotter and drier as it crosses the Taebaek Mountains, particularly affecting the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong, and Honam regions.

The heatwave is taking a deadly toll. As of August 4, 21 people had died from heat-related causes this year, surpassing the 20 deaths recorded during the same period last year. While the total number of heat-related illnesses reported this year (2,441) is lower than last year's figure (3,238), the rising death toll highlights the severity of the current heatwave.