Seoul’s 13th Tropical Night Amid Extreme Heat Alert

As of August 6, 2026, an extreme heat warning covers roughly 20 areas across the greater Seoul metro region and Jeolla provinces. The Korea Meteorological Administration says daytime highs could reach 39°C (102°F) with a heat index above 38°C (100°F) — hot enough to pose a genuine risk to life.

The heat isn't letting up after dark, either. Seoul is now on its 13th consecutive tropical night — a stretch when overnight lows never dip below 25°C (77°F) — and the nationwide streak is closing in on a record. Last night, Seoul's low held at 29.1°C (84.4°F), the highest anywhere in the country, followed by Seogwipo (29.0°C/84.2°F), Cheongju (28.8°C/83.8°F), Incheon (28.4°C/83.1°F) and Jeju (28.1°C/82.6°F); Jeonju and Busan both stayed in the high-27°C (81°F) range. Even usually milder spots on the east coast and in the mountains couldn't escape it — Gangneung (25.6°C/78.1°F), Hongcheon (25.2°C/77.4°F) and Sokcho (25.1°C/77.2°F) all crossed the tropical-night threshold.

By day, Yangju in Gyeonggi Province hit 40.4°C (104.7°F) and Hanam reached 40.1°C (104.2°F), both above the 40°C mark. Seoul climbed to 39.2°C (102.6°F) and Gwangju in South Jeolla Province hit 39.8°C (103.6°F). That's roughly 9°F hotter than the typical range of 28-33°C (82-91°F) for this time of year. With no rain in the forecast for the next 10 days or so, forecasters expect the heat to persist. President Lee Jae-myung reportedly called the heat wave a national disaster-level event and ordered an all-out response.

The Seoul city government tightened its emergency operations after a heat warning that had been limited to the southeast and southwest of the city three days ago expanded citywide within a single day. Outdoor work on city-contracted projects has largely been suspended, street-cooling water trucks have increased their runs, and officials are focusing outreach on vulnerable residents. Nationally, both the number of heat wave days and tropical nights this summer are tracking toward record territory, fueling concern that the climate crisis has crossed from an abstraction into everyday life.

Even so, Han River Park has been packed after dark as people look for relief. Past 8 p.m., with temperatures still above 30°C (86°F), the Yeouido Han River outdoor pool was crowded with swimmers dancing to music blasting from speakers. One visitor with a young child said she felt comfortable bringing her kid since only non-alcoholic drinks are sold there. A visitor in her 20s, on her third trip, said the pool made the heat far more bearable. Nearby, under Seogang Bridge, the Han River 'Bam-ping' night-camping area was dotted with tents lit up under bright lights; one father who came with his kindergarten-age son said the water made things noticeably cooler than during the day.