SEOUL (AFP) – South Korea experienced its hottest April since comprehensive records began in 1973, the state weather agency said yesterday, with average daily temperatures more than 2.5 degrees higher than in previous years.
“The highest average national temperature for April (is) 14.9 degrees Celsius (oC) in 2024,” the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said, adding it was the highest recorded in April since the national weather observation network was established in 1973.
The previous record was 14.7oC, set in April 1998, KMA said. Average nationwide temperatures in April surpassed the 1991-2020 April average of 12.1oC, it added.
The average daily high also reached a record-breaking 21.1oC – which is an increase of 2.5 degrees from the average from 1991 to 2020. April 14 saw especially high temperatures, as the daytime mercury in the greater Seoul region and areas of Gangwon province soared to approximately 30oC.
High pressure flows “developed over the Philippine Sea and east of Taiwan, resulting in warm southerly winds flowing into our country along the edge of the high pressure”, KMA said in a statement.
