S. Korea records 20 heat wave days this year, double long-term average

Korea experienced approximately 20 days of heat wave conditions this year, which is nearly twice the long-term average, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). As of Monday, the nation had encountered 20.1 days under such conditions, compared to the historical average of 10.4 days. A heat wave advisory is issued when the maximum apparent temperature stays above 33°C for at least two consecutive days.

The country has been enduring intense summer weather, with the highest temperature recorded in the southeastern city of Yangsan at 42.5°C on August 2, surpassing the previous national record since observations began in 1904. The nation also recorded 16.4 tropical nights this year, marking the second-highest figure after 16.8 tropical nights in 1994.

A tropical night occurs when nighttime temperatures remain at or above 25°C. The KMA predicts that the sweltering heat will continue into the next month due to a "double heat dome" effect caused by the influence of the stratosphere.