South Korea Experiences Nearly Double Average Heat Wave Days This Year

SEOUL, Aug. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has recorded about 20 days of heat wave conditions so far this year, nearly double the long-term average of 10.4 days over the same period, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

As of Monday, the nation experienced 20.1 days under heat wave conditions. A heat wave advisory is issued when the maximum apparent temperature is expected to remain above 33°C for two or more days.

The country was gripped by sweltering weather this summer, with a record high of 42.5°C in Yangsan on Aug. 2, the highest since modern weather observations began in 1904.

Additionally, 16.4 tropical nights were recorded through Monday, the second highest after 16.8 in 1994. A tropical night occurs when nighttime temperatures stay at or above 25°C.

The KMA forecasts the heat to persist into September due to a 'double heat dome' from the North Pacific and Tibetan high pressure systems.