Seoul Records Third-Highest April Temperature

Seoul recorded a high temperature of 29.4 degrees Celsius on April 18, 2026, marking the third-highest daily temperature for the month of April in the city’s recorded history, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

The reading, taken at the Jongno-gu weather station in central Seoul, follows only two higher April temperatures on record: 29.8°C in 2005 and 29.6°C in 2019. The KMA confirmed the data in its daily climate summary released on April 19, 2026, noting that the unseasonable warmth was part of a broader pattern of elevated temperatures across the Korean Peninsula during mid-April.

Despite the high daytime temperature, meteorologists noted that intermittent spring rainfall in the days preceding the peak helped moderate atmospheric conditions and delayed the onset of early summer heat typically seen in late May. The rainfall, which totaled 12.4 millimeters across Seoul from April 15 to 17, contributed to lower humidity levels and reduced the heat index, making the 29.4°C feel less oppressive than similar readings in previous years.

Officials from the KMA emphasized that while the temperature ranks among the top three for April, it does not yet constitute a heatwave under national criteria, which requires three or more consecutive days of temperatures above 30°C. No heat advisories were issued for Seoul on April 18, and energy consumption remained within seasonal norms, according to preliminary data from Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

Climate researchers at Seoul National University noted that the April 2026 temperature aligns with long-term warming trends observed in the region since the early 2000s. Dr. Lee Min-joo, a climatologist at the university’s Atmospheric Sciences Department, said in a statement to News Directory 3 that “the frequency of April temperatures exceeding 29°C has increased significantly over the past two decades, reflecting broader shifts in seasonal patterns due to climate change.”

The KMA forecasts a return to more typical spring conditions for the remainder of April, with daytime highs expected to range between 20°C and 25°C and periodic rain showers continuing through the week. Agricultural agencies in Gyeonggi Province reported no adverse effects on early-season crops such as barley and lettuce, attributing stable growth to adequate soil moisture from the recent rainfall.

As South Korea continues to monitor shifting seasonal norms, meteorologists advise the public to remain attentive to evolving weather patterns, particularly as transitional seasons like spring show increasing variability. The KMA will publish its full monthly climate review for April 2026 in early May, which will include detailed analysis of temperature anomalies, precipitation levels, and comparative historical data.