Seoul residents are facing a severe heat event as local temperatures in some districts reached nearly 40°C on Tuesday [1, 2].
The spike in temperature has prompted meteorological agencies to expand an "extreme heat warning" across the entire city. This escalation reflects the growing intensity of summer weather patterns in the region and the immediate risk to public health during prolonged heat exposure.
Official records show the daytime high for Seoul was 36.9°C [1]. This figure represents an increase of 0.2°C over the previous day [1]. However, local readings in specific districts were higher. In Gangnam-gu, the temperature hit 39.2°C [1, 2], which was 0.5°C higher than the day before [2]. Meanwhile, Guro-gu recorded a temperature of 39°C [1].
"In Guro-gu, where I am currently located, extreme heat reaching 39 degrees has appeared for two consecutive days," Won Chae-young said [1].
The heat wave is being driven by hot winds blowing from the east. Go Han-seok said these winds have caused very high temperatures in the capital region and western areas such as Honam [1].
The environmental impact is visible beyond air temperature. Thermal camera observations of park grounds showed surface temperatures reaching up to 60°C [1]. The city is also struggling with persistent overnight warmth, recording 14 consecutive tropical nights [2].
"The hottest place in Seoul today was Gangnam," Park Sang said [2].
“Local readings in Gangnam-gu hit 39.2°C.”
The discrepancy between the official city high and the localized readings in Gangnam and Guro highlights the 'urban heat island' effect, where dense infrastructure traps heat more effectively than rural areas. The record of 14 consecutive tropical nights indicates a lack of nocturnal cooling, which increases the physiological strain on residents and elevates the risk of heat-related illnesses.
