Extreme Heat to Persist Through Mid-August, Expert Warns

Extreme heat with daytime temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius is expected to continue for the time being, according to a forecast. While rain from Typhoon Dolphin, the 13th typhoon of the season, may temporarily ease the heat next week, the analysis suggests full-scale heat is likely to last through mid-August.

Min Ki-hong, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Kyungpook National University, appeared on JTBC's "Newsroom" on the 5th and forecast that "Typhoon Dolphin is moving in the waters south of Japan, so depending on rainfall, the heat wave could temporarily ease early or late next week." He added, however, that "the current extreme sweltering heat is highly likely to continue through mid-August."

He explained further that "after mid-August, daytime high temperatures may fall somewhat due to changes in the upper-atmosphere pressure system and the inflow of easterly winds, but with high humidity persisting, sweltering weather with perceived temperatures of around 33 to 35 degrees could continue through late August."

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, as of the morning of the 6th, Typhoon Dolphin was moving in a west-northwest direction in the waters south of Japan and is expected to make landfall in southern China early next week while maintaining strong intensity.

Experts believe that if the typhoon weakens into an extratropical cyclone after making landfall in China and affects the Korean Peninsula, rain could temporarily ease the heat. However, the analysis notes that the impact could vary depending on the typhoon's path and rainfall.

This Year May Be the Least Hot Summer... A Warning of the Heat 'New Normal'

The more immediate concern is that the heat wave is not a temporary abnormal climate event but is gradually becoming an everyday reality. Professor Min diagnosed that extreme heat is highly likely to become a new climate pattern that recurs every year, the so-called "New Normal."

"Since the 2000s, the pace of temperature rise has become much steeper than before, and sea surface temperatures are also continuously rising," he said. "Taking together the IPCC climate report and the Korea Meteorological Administration's climate change analysis, heat waves are highly likely to occur at shorter intervals and with greater intensity going forward." That is also the reason some forecast that "this year may be the least hot summer."

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast that the heat wave, with high temperatures rising to around 39 degrees, will continue through the 7th, centered on the Seoul metropolitan area and western regions. A major heat wave warning is in effect across most of the metropolitan area, while heat wave warnings remain in place in other regions. Perceived temperatures are expected to soar to around 35 to 38 degrees in most areas.

Due to the typhoon's indirect impact, high waves are building in the far seas off Jeju and the South Sea, prompting a high seas advisory, and rain is forecast over the weekend, centered on the east coast and Jeju. However, even if it rains, nationwide heat and tropical nights are likely to continue for the time being, so special caution is required for health management, including the prevention of heat-related illnesses.

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