Seoul Endures Record-Breaking Heatwave: 26 Consecutive Tropical Nights

Seoul – The Korean capital, Seoul, has been gripped by an unprecedented heatwave, recording its 26th consecutive tropical night on Friday. This marks the longest stretch of sweltering nighttime temperatures in 118 years, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

Since July 21, nighttime temperatures in Seoul have failed to dip below 25 degrees Celsius, with the mercury hovering at 26.8°C (80.2°F) between Thursday evening and Friday morning. This heatwave equals the previous record of 26 consecutive tropical nights set in 2018, the longest since modern meteorological observations began in the capital in 1907.

In 2018, Seoul’s tropical nights started on July 21 and lasted until August 15. However, this year’s heatwave shows no signs of abating. The KMA predicts that temperatures will continue to remain above 26°C (79°F) until at least next Wednesday, potentially setting a new record.

Meanwhile, the southeastern port city of Busan has also been sweltering under extreme heat, recording its 22nd consecutive tropical night on Friday. This too is a record since the city began keeping modern meteorological records in 1904.