ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – After a relatively cooler week, hot and humid conditions have returned to South Korea over the weekend and are expected to continue throughout the week. With the return of the hot weather, heat wave advisories have been reinstated across most parts of the country.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), as of 2pm yesterday, advisories were in effect nationwide, with the exception of mountainous regions. Apparent temperatures across the country were reported to be between 31 and 36 degrees Celsius (°C).

Heat wave watches and warnings in South Korea are issued when the maximum apparent temperature is expected to remain above 33°C and 35°C for two or more consecutive days.

Heat wave watches were issued in most parts of the country yesterday.

According to the KMA, such intense temperatures are expected to continue into the new week, accompanied by tropical nights and continued heat wave watches.

In Seoul, apparent temperatures could feel as high as 33°C throughout the week and temperatures may not drop below 28°C, even at night. In southern regions, temperatures could reach as high as 36°C.

The prolonged heat is due to the return of the dual high-pressure system that caused extreme heat near the end of July.

Since Friday and Saturday, both the Tibetan high-pressure system and the North Pacific high-pressure system have been covering the Korean Peninsula, creating a “heat dome” effect that traps the heat in the atmosphere.

“However, as the sun’s altitude is lower than it was in July and solar radiation is relatively weaker, the intensity of the heat wave is expected to be somewhat lower,” the KMA said.

Though subject to change, the KMA added that rain may fall particularly in central parts of Korea and the Greater Seoul region on Wednesday, lowering overall temperatures.

Depending on rainfall, the pressure systems surrounding the Korean Peninsula could change, possibly bringing lower temperatures.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin