Scorching heat returns with vengeance as monsoon season ends

Tourists cool off at a beach in Jeju City South Korea on July 20 2025 Yonhap — Vacationers cool themselves off at a beach on Jeju Island on July 20, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Scorching heat has returned, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius across the country, as the monsoon season ended with a last bout of torrential rains that battered southern regions over the weekend.

With recovery efforts from flooding and landslides still underway, temperatures climbed to as high as 34 degrees, prompting the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) to issue heat advisories for most parts of the country on Monday.

Daytime highs reached 34 degrees in Daegu, Daejeon, and Gangneung, Gangwon Province, followed by 33 degrees in Gwangju and 31 degrees in Busan and Seoul.

Tropical nights, when temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees, are also expected to persist for a while in several areas.

The KMA advised people to refrain from outdoor activities during peak daytime hours, stay hydrated, and be mindful of heatstroke and food poisoning.

"Scattered showers are forecast during the day in Seoul and other parts of the country, bringing a brief respite, but hot and humid weather will continue for the time being," a KMA official said.

Im Yoon-seo lyseo0330@ajupress.com