South Korea’s capital, Seoul, has shattered a century-old weather record with a streak of 26 consecutive tropical nights, where temperatures did not drop below 25°C, according to official data released last Friday. This intense heatwave has become the longest streak since modern weather observation began in 1907, tying a record previously set in 2018. However, the Korea Meteorological Administration considers the recent streak as the new benchmark.
The phenomenon of “tropical nights,” where nighttime temperatures remain high, is particularly unusual in Seoul. These conditions are typically mitigated by cooler air descending from the north, especially during the early morning and evening hours. However, as explained by Youn Ki-han, director at Seoul’s Meteorology Forecast Division, this pattern has not materialized. “The cold air is not coming down from the north, and as we are affected by the warmer side of the southwest, the temperature is continuously recording around 25°C or above,” Youn stated.
This persistent heat is part of a broader trend of extreme weather observed globally this summer. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned of an “extreme heat epidemic,” urging immediate global action to mitigate the impact of climate change. The ongoing heatwave in Seoul is expected to continue, potentially setting new records until the end of the week, according to Seoul’s Office of Meteorology.
Seoul’s experience is not isolated. South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, has also endured an intense heatwave, logging its 22nd consecutive tropical night, marking its longest streak since records began in 1904. The persistent high temperatures across South Korea are symptomatic of a broader global pattern of escalating heatwaves.
According to a report by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the number of days with temperatures reaching 35°C in the world’s largest capital cities has surged by 52% over the past 30 years. In 2018 alone, Seoul experienced 21 days with temperatures exceeding 35°C — a stark contrast to the previous decade, which saw far fewer such extreme days. This alarming trend has been attributed to the rapid pace of climate change, which has dramatically altered weather patterns within just one generation.
Dr. Tucker Landesman, a senior researcher at IIED, emphasized the severity of the situation: “In just one generation, there’s been an alarming increase.” The rapidly intensifying heatwaves are a clear indicator of the accelerating impacts of global warming, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive climate action.
Climate activists in South Korea are increasingly vocal about the need for stronger government action to combat climate change. Youn Se-jong, an environmental lawyer, expressed deep concern over the ongoing heatwaves, warning that the situation is likely to worsen. “There’s no chance that this will get better, and it’s bound to get worse,” Youn said. He urged the South Korean government to prioritize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as a critical step in addressing the crisis. “Strengthening the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be the priority,” he added.
The persistence of tropical nights in Seoul and other parts of South Korea is not just a local issue but a part of a global climate crisis that is manifesting in extreme weather events worldwide. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the need for immediate and decisive action has never been more critical.
Experts warn that without significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, extreme heat events like those currently being experienced in South Korea will become more frequent and more intense. The record-breaking heatwave in Seoul serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for global cooperation to prevent further environmental degradation.
As Seoul continues to endure its historic heatwave, the focus is increasingly on what can be done to prevent such extreme weather events from becoming the new norm. Strengthening climate policies, investing in renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices are essential steps that must be taken to protect future generations from the devastating impacts of climate change.
