South Korean capital breaks record for longest 'tropical nights' in 118 years

Nighttime temperatures in the South Korean capital Seoul have remained above 25 degrees Celsius for 26 consecutive days, marking the longest streak of "tropical nights" since modern weather observations began in 1907, officials said.

The record is on par with the one set in 2018, but the weather agency considers the most recent record to be the benchmark.

Evenings with temperatures above 25 degrees are known as "tropical nights" in South Korea, and officials say such a prolonged streak of weather is unusual.

Tourists hold umbrellas at Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, August 3. Photo: AP

"The cold air flow is not coming down from the north, and because we are influenced by the warmer southwest, the temperature is constantly around 25 degrees Celsius or higher," explained Youn Ki-han, director of the Seoul Meteorological Service.

Much of the world is enduring a brutally hot summer. Last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “pandemic of extreme heat” and called for action to limit the impact of climate change.

The intense heat wave in Seoul is expected to continue and set records every day until next week, according to the Korea Meteorological Office.

"Usually at this time of year, temperatures would drop in the morning and evening as cold air from the northwest moves down and the North Pacific high pressure shrinks, but we haven't seen any signs of that yet," Youn said.

Meanwhile, Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, recorded its 22nd consecutive tropical night. This is the longest streak of tropical nights since records began in 1904.

According to the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the number of days with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in the world's largest capitals has increased by 52% over the past 30 years. In 2018 alone, Seoul experienced 21 days with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius.

Hoai Phuong (according to AFP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-do-han-quoc-pha-ky-luc-chuoi-dem-nhet-doi-dai-nhat-trong-118-nam-post308107.html