Seoul: The temperature in Seoul exceeded 30 C for the first time this year, marking a significant weather milestone, as reported by the state weather agency. This surge in temperature came just hours after the city recorded the highest daily minimum temperature for May.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the mercury in Seoul soared to 30.8 C, a stark 6.2 C above the average temperature for this time of year, as per the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). Other regions in South Korea also faced unusually high temperatures, with Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi Province reaching 35.2 C and Hongseong in South Chungcheong Province experiencing 30.7 C.
Historically, Seoul has recorded only 70 days in which the daily maximum temperature for May exceeded 30 C since meteorological observations began in October 1907. The KMA attributed the intense heat to hot and humid southerly winds affecting Seoul and other regions.
The lowest temperature recorded in Seoul on the day was 23 C at 5:53 a.m., the highest daily minimum temperature for May since modern records started. This surpassed the previous record of 21.8 C set on May 16, 2018. In Incheon, 35 kilometers west of Seoul, the lowest morning temperature was 20.7 C, also a record for May in that city.
Similar records were observed across southeastern regions, with Pohang experiencing a morning low of 23.8 C, Uljin at 23.4 C, Ulleung Island at 23.3 C, and Yeongdeok at 22 C. The KMA has indicated that this unusually warm weather may persist for a while.
However, a brief respite is expected as daytime temperatures on Thursday are predicted to return to typical levels, ranging from 18 C to 27 C. Additionally, rain is forecast for Seoul, Gangwon Province, and the inland areas of Chungcheong provinces starting early Thursday morning.