The year 2025 brought with it a peculiar summer. We heard the familiar news of the monsoon's arrival, but instead of the usual soaking rains, we experienced a "dry monsoon" — an unfamiliar term that concluded with a stifling heatwave. The stark difference from previous years left many wondering, "Is this truly the monsoon?" Even weather agencies and experts now unanimously declare, "The traditional concept of the monsoon is no longer valid."
The warnings about the Korean Peninsula transforming into a 'subtropical climate' due to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are no longer distant predictions. A shorter, unpredictable monsoon season, immediately followed by extreme heatwaves, demands new ways of navigating summer. What kind of climate shifts is South Korea experiencing, and how can we prepare?
The "Dry Monsoon" That Unleashed Record Heat
This year's monsoon began earlier than usual, starting in Jeju on June 12th, and reaching central and southern regions by June 19th. However, the peninsula largely remained in a state of 'dry monsoon' with minimal rainfall. Seoul, for instance, saw virtually no rain after the first monsoon showers in mid-June, quickly plunging into intense heat.
The Pacific High's Dominance: A significant factor has been the rapid expansion of the North Pacific High-pressure system. It pushed the monsoon front (stationary front) northward into North Korea, replacing the much-needed rain with sweltering heat across the peninsula.
Record-Breaking Temperatures: The mercury has soared to unprecedented levels. Gyeongnam Miryang recorded a scorching 38.3°C (100.9°F) in early July. Gangneung experienced its first "super tropical night" of the year, with a minimum overnight temperature of 30.3°C (86.5°F).
Rising Heat-Related Illnesses: As of July 1st, the number of heat-related illness cases increased by 30.3% compared to the previous year. This alarming trend raises concerns about a repeat of the devastating 2018 heatwave, which also followed an early end to the monsoon in early July, leading to over a month of extreme heat nationwide. Experts emphasize, "The recent monsoon has become so unpredictable that it's time to rewrite the textbooks."
Korea's Monsoon: Under the Long Shadow of Climate Change
Korea's monsoon, or "Jangma," has always been a dynamic weather phenomenon, with historical records (dating back to 1592) showing patterns of both droughts and floods. For instance, 1775 saw a historically dry summer with only 5mm of rainfall, while 1821 experienced an all-time high with over 2,500mm.
In modern times, this variability has intensified, becoming more extreme.
Shifting Patterns: The traditional Jangma, which typically lasted over 30 days from mid-June to late July, has shown irregular patterns since the 1970s, becoming either shorter or longer.
Emergence of the 'Dry Monsoon': Since the 2000s, phenomena like the 'dry monsoon' with little rain have become more frequent, as seen in 2014 and 2015. Conversely, years like 2011, 2020, and 2023 were characterized by record-breaking, short, and intense 'guerrilla downpours,' signifying a stronger intensity of natural disasters. Notably, the 2018 monsoon lasted only 16 days but still recorded the highest rainfall ever.
Transition to a Subtropical Climate: These shifts highlight how global warming and increased greenhouse gas emissions are causing irregular fluctuations in the North Pacific High, and complex interactions with cold air. This results in the four-season weather patterns becoming increasingly complicated, rendering our traditional understanding of 'monsoon rain' almost meaningless. Globally, the Earth's temperature has risen by about 0.75°C over the past 100 years, leading to severe consequences even in places like Tuvalu in the South Pacific.
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Navigating the Climate Crisis Era: Our Preparedness
In the face of these changes, both immediate actions and long-term strategies are crucial.
1. Summer Survival Guide for Extreme Heat:
Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid being outside between 12 PM and 5 PM.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water frequently, even if not thirsty, and reduce caffeine/alcohol intake.
Wear Cool Clothing: Opt for breathable fabrics, hats, and parasols.
Manage Indoor Environment: Maintain appropriate indoor temperatures and ensure proper ventilation.
Check on Vulnerable Groups: Immediately assist the elderly, infants, and outdoor workers if they show signs of distress.
2. Long-Term Climate Change Adaptation:
Enhance Rainfall Prediction & Alert Systems: Precise forecasting and rapid alerts are essential for 'guerrilla downpours.'
Improve Disaster-Sensitive Areas: Urgent maintenance and infrastructure expansion are needed in vulnerable areas like low-lying lands and riverbanks.
Expand Urban Green Spaces & Water Resource Management: Crucial for mitigating urban heat islands and preparing for water-related disasters.
Improve Building Structures: Strengthen building design standards to withstand heavy rains and extreme heat.
Reduce Carbon Emissions & Develop Eco-Friendly Energy: The most fundamental solution involves national efforts and individual practices to transition to a carbon-neutral society.
Surviving the Era of 'Extreme Weather Events,' Not Just 'Climate'
The "dry monsoon" of 2025 serves as a stark reminder that climate change is no longer an abstract concept. We are now living in an era of unpredictable 'extreme weather events,' moving beyond the simple notion that 'summer is hot.'
To cope with these changes, it's crucial for both governmental policy efforts and our individual awareness of the climate crisis to increase, leading to changes in daily habits. By learning from past records about nature's power and implementing wise preparations and actions for the future, we can build a safer, more sustainable tomorrow.
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Thanks a lot