Early heat wave brings record temperatures across country

Visitors stroll along Gwangalli Beach in Busan on July 1 2025 Yonhap — Parasols are set up along Gwangalli Beach in Busan on July 1, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - As an early heat wave grips the country, several cities have recorded their highest average daily temperatures for this time of year, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Tuesday.

According to the KMA, the average temperature in the southern port city of Busan climbed to 26.2 degrees Celsius on the last day of June, the highest ever recorded for the month since weather observations began in 1904.

The southwestern city of Mokpo also set a new record at 28.1 degrees while Daegu, one of the hottest cities in the country, reached 30.7 degrees, the highest since 1907.

Gangneung in eastern Gangwon Province saw the mercury rise to 31.9 degrees, while Jeonju in North Jeolla Province recorded 29.5 degrees, with both breaking previous records for the month of June.

The KMA attributed the unseasonable heat wave to hot and humid air flowing in from the southwest under the influence of a North Pacific high-pressure system.

The hot and humid weather, accompanied by tropical nights, when temperatures remain above 25 degrees at night, is expected to linger across most parts of the country for a while.

Meanwhile, all the beaches in Busan are now fully open, with some having partially opened late last month. They will remain open until the end of August or early September.

Im Yoon-seo lyseo0330@ajupress.com