The extreme heat dome that has been scorching the Korean Peninsula is expected to retreat temporarily due to the expansion of a cold air mass from the Sea of Okhotsk. A drop in temperatures is anticipated across the Korean Peninsula and eastern Japan.
According to forecasts from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the highest temperatures, which soared to 38.1 degrees Celsius on August 5 and 38.2 degrees on August 6, are projected to decrease to between 27 and 36 degrees on August 8, 26 to 35 degrees on August 9, and 27 to 34 degrees on August 10 as the cold air mass moves in.
The minimum temperatures are also expected to drop to between 20 and 25 degrees by August 10, indicating a significant reduction in the oppressive heat and tropical nights. However, this change merely alleviates the catastrophic heat dome phenomenon to a more typical summer heat level, necessitating ongoing health precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Additionally, the Japan Meteorological Agency has forecasted that from August 8 to 14, eastern Japan and the Kanto and Tohoku Pacific coastal areas will likely experience temperatures below average due to the cold air mass from the Sea of Okhotsk, with a probability exceeding 50%. This suggests that eastern Japan may effectively enter an 'early autumn mode.'
In contrast, regions in western Japan, such as Kyushu and Shikoku, which are outside the influence of the Okhotsk air mass, are expected to see temperatures above average, with a probability of 50 to 60%, indicating a stark temperature difference between the east and west.
In response to the forecast, netizens expressed relief, commenting, "Okhotsk! No more dolphin die-offs! It shouldn't happen!", "Thank you, Okhotsk", "After experiencing 38 degrees, I think I can handle mid-30s temperatures", "The seasons are truly fascinating", and "Next week, will my feet get cold when I wear slippers?"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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