Soaring Temperatures Prompt Concern Over Energy Costs Among Koreans, With Forecasted Degree Celsius Levels Approaching 40
On July 9, 2025, Seoul, South Korea, faced an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures soaring to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Jongno District, marking the highest early-July temperature ever recorded in the city since modern weather observations began in 1907.
The heatwave arrived earlier than usual, with the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issuing the first heat wave warning of the season on July 7—18 days earlier than the previous year. The extreme heat conditions are characterized by daytime temperatures reaching and exceeding 35 degrees Celsius for multiple consecutive days, triggering official heat wave warnings across Seoul and surrounding regions.
The early summer heat has been record-breaking, with temperatures in parts of Gyeonggi Province exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in July. Additionally, tropical nights, meaning elevated nighttime temperatures, have added to the heat stress.
The early and intense heatwave has generated significant issues. The KMA has urged schools and education offices to encourage protective measures such as using parasols for students during and after school hours to prevent heat-related illnesses. The government and meteorological agencies are highly attentive to the risks of heat-related health problems amid this surge of extreme temperatures.
Moreover, the early end of the monsoon season has contributed to the prolonged heatwave, worsening the situation. As a result, over 200 people have suffered heat strokes in Seoul, and the costs of imported refrigerants have spiked with the summer heat.
In summary, on July 9, 2025, Seoul is enduring an exceptional and record-breaking heatwave, with critical public health measures being implemented to manage the risks posed by this early and severe summer heat. The heatwave continues, and it is essential for everyone to take necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy during these challenging weather conditions.
- The extreme heat conditions, characterized by climate change, have led to a proliferation of health-and-wellness concerns, with over 200 people suffering heat strokes in Seoul.
- The business sector, particularly the environmental-science and fitness-and-exercise industries, may experience increased demand for cooling solutions and heat exhaustion prevention strategies.
- The South Korean government, looking to mitigate the impacts of the heatwave on industry, is urging schools to implement protective measures such as the use of parasols, thereby addressing health-related issues.
- The effects of this early and intense heatwave extend beyond Seoul, as the prolonged heatwave, worsened by the early end of the monsoon season, raises concerns in related scientific industries about the broader environmental implications of climate change.
