SEOUL, March 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's southeastern regions set record high temperatures for March on Sunday due to unusually warm and dry high-pressure winds, the weather agency reported. Gumi, a city in North Gyeongsang Province, located 200 kilometers southeast of Seoul, soared to 28.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest March temperature recorded since authorities began to collect data in January 1973. The previous record in Gumi was 27.3 degrees Celsius, set on March 29, 1998.
Other southern regions also noted record-breaking highs. Daegu recorded 27.9 degrees Celsius on the same day, while Andong logged 25.7 degrees Celsius. Gyeongju, the host city for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, reached 27.8 degrees Celsius. The central region, including Daejeon, recorded new highs of 26.4 degrees Celsius, while Incheon, to the west of Seoul, recorded 25.5 degrees Celsius.
Seoul itself also saw a notable temperature increase, recording 24.0 degrees Celsius, which stands as its second-highest March temperature on record. Nearby, Busan experienced a daytime high of 17.6 degrees Celsius, prompting many locals and tourists alike to enjoy the warmer weather.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) explained that these unusually high temperatures are primarily attributed to hot and dry westerly winds. Due to the ongoing dry conditions in the region, the KMA forecasts that temperatures will remain 3 to 11 degrees higher than the seasonal average for some time.
This weather phenomenon comes as South Korea continues to grapple with the implications of climate change, which affects seasonal weather patterns significantly. Record high temperatures in March may also signal shifts in seasonal norms and weather expectations across the globe. Meteorologists warn that while a single day of heat is not indicative of long-term trends, it does suggest a concerning potential for more extreme weather conditions in the future.
The rise in temperature has stirred various societal reactions as citizens prepare for the upcoming heat. Some residents have begun to adapt their clothing and daily activities, shifting to summer-style outfits and planning outdoor activities, while others express concerns over the environmental implications.
Foreign tourists have been spotted enjoying various activities, including beach volleyball on Gwangalli Beach in Busan, highlighting the appeal of South Korea's coastal attractions during unusually warm weather.
As the KMA continues to monitor the weather patterns closely, officials urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for changes that could accompany the warmer climate. With increasing temperatures, the focus on environmental responsibility becomes ever more critical for the government and citizens alike.