Tropical Night Warning
Overview
A Tropical Night Warning is a meteorological advisory issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration when the nighttime minimum temperature is expected to remain at or above 25°C during summer. This institutional mechanism warns that tropical night phenomena can seriously affect human health and social activities. Since its introduction in 2008, it has become an important indicator for public life each summer alongside heatwaves. Tropical nights go beyond mere discomfort, causing health risks such as sleep disorders, heatstroke, and exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases, requiring caution.
Main Content
Definition and Criteria
A tropical night is defined meteorologically as a night with a minimum temperature of 25°C or higher. A Tropical Night Warning is issued when such conditions are expected to persist for two or more days, or when the nighttime minimum temperature is forecast to be 25°C or higher on the same day. The Korea Meteorological Administration provides detailed regional forecasts, and warnings are more frequently issued in large cities where the urban heat island effect is prominent.
Issuance Procedure and Dissemination System
The Korea Meteorological Administration issues the Tropical Night Warning by analyzing regional meteorological observation data and numerical forecast models. Upon issuance, it is rapidly disseminated via disaster text messages, broadcast subtitles, and mobile app notifications. Since 2024, the frequency of issuance has increased due to climate change, and the administration is advancing its tropical night frequency prediction system.
Health Impacts
Tropical nights cause sleep deprivation and thermoregulation disorders, leading to weakened immunity, chronic fatigue, and reduced concentration. They are particularly dangerous for the elderly, those with chronic diseases, and infants, increasing the incidence of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat cramps. According to 2023 data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, emergency room visits increased by 30% during tropical night periods compared to normal times.
Socioeconomic Impacts
Tropical nights cause a surge in electricity consumption as cooling demand skyrockets. In summer 2024, Korea Electric Power Corporation predicted that maximum power demand due to tropical nights would exceed 100 GW. Additionally, social costs—including increased traffic accident risks from heightened nighttime activity, reduced productivity, and higher medical expenses—amount to hundreds of billions of won annually.
Response Measures
At the individual level, adequate hydration, light clothing, and appropriate use of fans and air conditioners are recommended. At the government level, measures include operating cooling shelters, supporting cooling costs for vulnerable groups, and promoting behavioral guidelines for tropical nights. From 2025, real-time tropical night monitoring using smart city systems is scheduled to be introduced.
Latest Trends
In 2024 and 2025, the frequency and intensity of tropical nights reached record highs due to global warming. In August 2024, Seoul recorded 26 consecutive tropical nights, breaking the longest streak since meteorological observations began in 1907. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that summer 2025 would see 2–3 more tropical nights than average due to El Niño effects. Urban planning measures to mitigate the urban heat island effect—such as expanding green spaces, rooftop greening, and using high-reflectivity building materials—are being strengthened. An AI-based tropical night prediction model has been developed and is being piloted in 2025, with accuracy evaluated at over 85%.
Related Topics
- [[Heatwave Warning]]
- [[Heat-Related Illness]]
- [[Climate Change]]
- [[Urban Heat Island Effect]]
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