Residents of South Korea’s capital are finding creative ways to stay cool as a record-breaking heatwave continues. This hot streak in Seoul has seen 26 consecutive “tropical nights”, where the temperature remains above 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit).
Lee Ji-soo told AFP that she takes a cold shower before bed and attaches freezer packs to her electric fan to cool the air.
Seoul has experienced above 25 degrees Celsius nighttime temperatures for 26 days straight, the longest streak since temperature records began in 1907. These hot nights are commonly referred to as “tropical nights” in South Korea.
As the world grapples with extreme heat this summer, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning of an “extreme heat epidemic” due to climate change, Seoul anticipates the heatwave to persist and set new records every day until next week.
Youn Ki-han, director at Seoul’s Meteorology Forecast Division, explained that the usual temperature drop in the mornings and evenings is absent, contributing to the prolonged heatwave.
Residents like Kim Young-sook have stated that they rely heavily on air conditioners to cope with the intense heat, while others like Lee Ji-soo resort to ice packs on their fan due to concerns over high electricity bills.
– High Demand for Power –
South Korea’s electricity demand soared to an all-time high as people increased usage of air conditioners and fans to combat the heatwave, according to Korea Power Exchange data.
Dr. Tucker Landesman from the International Institute for Environment and Development highlighted the significant increase in days with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius in Seoul over the past 30 years, emphasizing the urgent need for government action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate activists in South Korea are advocating for stronger measures to address the country’s low renewable energy percentage in the power mix and high carbon emissions from coal.
North Korea is also experiencing a severe heatwave, prompting warnings from the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration for central areas, including Pyongyang.
hs/fox
