South Korea's Gangneung Sees First Tropical Night 19 Days Earlier Than Last Year

South Korea is facing an unusually early start to its summer heat, with the coastal cities of Gangneung, Donghae, and Sokcho recording their first tropical nights on May 30. This marks the fourth earliest occurrence on record and is a significant 19 days ahead of last year's first tropical night on June 18.

A mobile anticyclone has been influencing the weather, directing warm southwesterly winds towards the Yeongdong region. These winds have prevented nighttime temperatures from dropping below 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), the threshold for a tropical night. The Korea Meteorological Administration confirmed the readings, noting that the tropical night was officially recorded based on the date of May 30.

This weather pattern is expected to persist, with the anticyclone lingering over the Korean Peninsula into early this week. Forecasters anticipate this will continue to drive up temperatures nationwide, signaling a potentially intense summer heatwave. The early arrival of such conditions raises concerns about the impact on public health and daily life throughout the country.