The Korean Peninsula faces intensified heat as it becomes buried under a 'double high-pressure system'… Seoul to hit 38°C this weekend

Like wearing two blankets next to a heater… Today's daytime highs between 32–36°C

Seoul's daytime temperature to reach 37°C tomorrow and 38°C the day after… Ozone levels 'bad' nationwide

Sunset at the pool (Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Sung-min = Citizens enjoy the water at the Yeouido Hangang Park swimming pool in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 23rd as the sweltering heat continues. 2025.7.23 ksm7976@yna.co.kr

A situation is re-emerging where two high-pressure systems—the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High—are covering the Korean Peninsula in layers.

As a result, the sweltering heat is expected to intensify.

Currently, the mid-to-upper atmosphere at an altitude of about 5 km is dominated by the hot and humid North Pacific High, while the hot and dry Tibetan High is expanding its influence from the west and settling over it.

With two scorching high-pressure systems positioned above the peninsula, heat is becoming trapped with no way to escape.

The presence of high pressure in the lower atmosphere, which leads to clear skies and intense sunlight, will further fuel the heat.

To use a human analogy, it is like wearing two blankets and sitting next to a heater in the middle of summer.

Daytime highs on the 24th are expected to range from 32 to 36°C.

Due to high humidity, the perceived temperature will soar to around 35°C in inland Gyeonggi, the east coast of Gangwon, the southern mountainous regions of Gangwon, South Chungcheong, and the southern provinces, while remaining around 33°C in other areas.

The problem is that the heat will become even more severe in the coming days.

In Seoul, where the daytime high is expected to be 36°C today, temperatures will jump to 37°C on Friday the 25th and 38°C on Saturday the 26th.

Areas west of mountain ranges, such as Seoul, will be particularly hot as south-easterly winds blow in the lower atmosphere, drying out as they cross the Baekdudaegan mountain range and then becoming further heated as they pass over the sun-scorched ground.

Temperatures are expected to remain higher than the seasonal average until at least early next month.

Ozone levels, formed by photochemical reactions between sunlight and air pollutants, will reach 'bad' levels across the country, excluding the east coast of Gangwon and Jeju. As ozone adversely affects the respiratory and sensory organs, those with related illnesses or vulnerable populations should avoid going outside if possible.

For the time being, strong swells will enter the coasts of Jeju, South Jeolla, and southern South Gyeongsang.

High waves could surge over breakwaters or coastal roads, so extreme caution is advised to prevent accidents.

Due to strong lunar gravitational pull, sea levels will be high, starting from tonight on the Jeju coast and from the 25th for other coastal areas. Preparation is necessary as low-lying coastal areas may experience flooding during high tide.

Sea fog is expected to persist in most maritime areas for the time being.

As a result, visibility on some islands may drop below 200 meters.