South Korea has recorded its hottest summer since national weather monitoring began in 1973, with average temperatures reaching 25.7 degrees Celsius between June 1 and August 31. The record, confirmed by the Korea Meteorological Administration, narrowly surpasses the previous high of 25.6 degrees Celsius set in 2023. The extreme heat was accompanied by prolonged dry conditions, particularly in the eastern region of Gangwon Province. Gangneung city, located along the eastern coast, experienced significant water shortages as the Obong Reservoir dropped to below 15 percent of its capacity.
In response to the worsening drought, authorities declared a national disaster in the affected areas to expedite relief efforts and mobilize emergency resources. According to meteorological data, South Korea experienced an average of 28.1 days where temperatures exceeded 33 degrees Celsius, marking the third-highest number of such days since data collection began. This summer’s heat wave not only set new temperature records but also contributed to increased reports of heat-related illnesses and disruptions to daily life in urban and rural areas alike.
The impact of the extreme heat extended beyond public health and water security. Electricity consumption reached record levels during peak summer months, driven by surging demand for air conditioning across residential and commercial sectors. The Korea Power Exchange reported that electricity usage peaked at 94.5 gigawatts in mid-August, prompting energy authorities to activate emergency supply measures and expand reserve margins to stabilize the grid. Major electronics companies, including Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, saw a marked rise in air conditioning unit sales during the summer period.
Both companies reported double-digit growth in domestic sales, fueled by consumer demand for high-efficiency and smart cooling systems. Retailers across the country also reported increased foot traffic for cooling appliances and related products as households adapted to the extended heat. South Korea’s agricultural sector also felt the effects of the high temperatures and low rainfall. Rice paddies, particularly in central and eastern regions, recorded lower yields, while vegetable farms reported crop stress due to elevated soil temperatures.
South Korea logs hottest average summer since 1973
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed that several provinces applied for emergency support to mitigate the impact on local farming operations. Neighboring Japan also recorded its hottest summer on record during the same period. The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that the average national temperature for June to August was 2.36 degrees Celsius above the 30-year seasonal average from 1991 to 2020. The record heat led to increased hospitalizations, with the Fire and Disaster Management Agency reporting over 84,000 cases of heat-related illnesses between May and late August, slightly surpassing last year’s figures.
In both countries, the intensity and duration of the heat have placed strain on infrastructure, public services, and local economies. Transportation systems in South Korea experienced occasional delays due to heat-related mechanical issues, and municipalities implemented temporary cooling centers and heat alert systems to provide relief for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and outdoor workers. This summer’s heat records in South Korea and Japan are consistent with long-term temperature trends observed across East Asia. National meteorological agencies in both countries continue to monitor climatic conditions and advise residents to prepare for potential future extreme weather events. – By Content Syndication Services.