South Korea end‑June heatwave brings 33‑C temperatures, scattered showers and strong winds

A heatwave swept South Korea on June 15, with daytime highs reaching 27‑36 °C across the country and felt temperatures around 33 °C in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon east coast and the Gyeongsang region. The Korea Meteorological Administration warned of high humidity and tropical‑night conditions, with overnight lows staying above 25 °C in many places.

Scattered rain showers were forecast for most regions, amounting to 5‑20 mm in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi, 5‑40 mm in Gangwon inland and islands, up to 40 mm in Jeolla and Jeju, and 5‑30 mm in the Gyeongsang area. Strong gusts were expected, especially along the east coast and mountain zones, where winds could exceed 70 km/h and reach 90 km/h on higher terrain. Air‑quality forecasts indicated ‘good’ fine‑dust levels nationwide.

The weather ministry noted that the combination of high heat, humidity and occasional downpours could raise discomfort levels, especially during the traditional Chobok (first of the three hottest days), prompting many to seek cooling foods such as samgyetang.