Seoul recorded a temperature of 37.9°C on Thursday, breaking the city's summer high for the fourth consecutive day [1].
The persistent heatwave signals an intensifying weather pattern in East Asia, pushing urban temperatures beyond those of typically hotter cities like Tokyo and Bangkok [1].
According to YTN reporter Jang A-young, the temperature in the capital rose by one degree Celsius from the previous day [1]. This upward trend has resulted in a four-day streak of new summer records [1]. The extreme heat is attributed to a persistent North Pacific high-pressure system that has kept skies clear, allowing intense solar radiation to heat the region [1].
While Seoul faces significant heat, other areas of South Korea have seen even higher peaks. The city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5°C [1]. This figure surpasses Japan's historic high temperature of 41.8°C [1].
Forecasts suggest the heat will intensify further. Jang said that Seoul is expected to reach 39°C on Friday, Aug. 7 [1]. This would mark the hottest "Ipchu" — the beginning of autumn by the lunar calendar — in 10 years [1].
Local authorities continue to monitor the impact of the heat on public health and infrastructure as the high-pressure system remains stationary over the peninsula [1].
“Seoul recorded a temperature of 37.9°C, breaking the summer high for the fourth consecutive day.”
The repeated breaking of daily temperature records in Seoul, combined with extreme peaks in cities like Yangsan, indicates a severe atmospheric blocking pattern. By surpassing historic Japanese records and exceeding temperatures in tropical hubs like Bangkok, South Korea is experiencing an anomalous heat event that challenges urban cooling infrastructure and public health safety during the traditional transition to autumn.
