Seoul Hits 40 Degrees for First Time in 8 Years... Extreme Heatwave Expected to Ease from Weekend

First Time Since August 1, 2018
Extreme Heatwave Eases but High Temperatures to Persist

In some parts of Seoul, temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius, resulting in extreme heat conditions. This is the first time in eight years since 2018 such temperatures have been recorded.

According to data from the Korea Meteorological Administration's Automatic Weather Station (AWS), at approximately 3:28 p.m. on August 7, the AWS installed in Nowon-gu, Seoul, recorded a temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius. This marks the first time temperatures exceeded 40 degrees at an observation point in Seoul since August 1, 2018, when the AWS in Gangbuk-gu recorded 41.8 degrees Celsius.

On July 7, the current temperature is displayed on an electronic billboard on a street in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

On the previous day, the AWS in Yeongdeungpo-gu also recorded a temperature of 40.0 degrees Celsius. However, this equipment was installed on the roof of an elementary school at a height of 12 meters above ground. Due to direct heating from solar radiation, as well as the influence of building heat emissions and outdoor air conditioning units, this figure is regarded as a reference value only.

Based on measurements from the Seoul Meteorological Observatory in Jongno-gu, the representative temperature for Seoul peaked at 38.0 degrees Celsius. In Gyeonggi Province, extreme heat was observed in various locations, including Deokpung-dong in Hanam, where the temperature at one point soared to 40.7 degrees Celsius.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, from June 1 to August 6, the average number of heatwave days (when the daily maximum temperature exceeded 33 degrees Celsius) was 14.8 days, ranking as the fourth highest since 1973, when nationwide meteorological observation networks were established. The number of tropical nights, when the lowest temperature during the night remained above 25 degrees Celsius, averaged 13.0 days—the highest on record.

The extreme heatwave appears to have peaked on this day. Temperatures are forecast to decrease somewhat starting from the weekend. Nevertheless, hot weather is expected to persist.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast that on Saturday, August 8, the nationwide morning low will range from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius, and the afternoon high will reach 26 to 35 degrees. On August 9 as well, the morning low is expected to be 21 to 26 degrees, with the afternoon high reaching 26 to 35 degrees, indicating that temperatures will remain higher than average for this time of year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.