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

South Korea experienced 20 days of heat wave conditions this year, nearly double the long-term average, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). As of Monday, the nation had encountered 20.1 days under such circumstances, compared to the average of 10.4 days, the KMA reported on Tuesday. A heat wave advisory is triggered when the maximum apparent temperature remains above 33°C for two or more consecutive days.

This summer has seen scorching weather across the country, with a new national high of 42.5°C recorded in Yangsan, the southeastern city, on August 2, marking the highest national reading since weather observations on the Korean Peninsula began in 1904. The KMA has also forecasted that the intense heat will persist into next month due to a double heat dome created by the influence of strengthening North Pacific and Tibetan high pressure systems over the country.