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People walk along Cheonggyecheon in Jongno District, central Seoul, on June 2. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Korea posts second-warmest spring on record as KMA warns of new normal

This spring was the second-warmest on record in Korea, according to a Korea Meteorological Administration report on Tuesday, with average temperatures nationwide from March through May coming in at 13.3 degrees Celsius (56 degrees Fahrenheit).

2026.6.3

An aerial view of the 200-foot-tall (60-meter) front of the Getz Ice Shelf with cracks, in Antarctica, in this 2016 handout image. [NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE/REUTERS/YONHAP]

Korea to host 2027 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting

Korea will host the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) next year as the chair country, leading discussions on research promotion and environmental protection in the South Pole, government officials said Tuesday.

2026.6.2

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People wait for a traffic signal while shielding themselves from the sun at the Gwanghwamun intersection in Jongno District, central Seoul, on May 29, as early summer weather sets in. [NEWS1]

Korea experiences hottest May on record as average temperatures reach 18.6 degrees Celsius nationwide

Korea logged its hottest May on record last month, with the nationwide average temperature reaching 18.6 degrees Celsius (65.5 degrees Fahrenheit).

2026.6.1

People cool off the water at a beach in Gangneung, Gangwon, on May 31. [YONHAP]

Heat wave breaks May records as continued hot weather expected for start of June

Ulleung County in North Gyeongsang recorded a record-high May morning low of 25.8 degrees Celsius (78.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday, as record-breaking morning heat was reported across the country, according to the KMA.

2026.5.31

A child frolics in a water fountain in central Seoul on May 25. [NEWS1]

'Higher than average' chance of heat waves expected this summer due to rapid decline of Arctic ice

The upcoming summer might bring an onslaught of muggy, sticky and suffocating days and nights, along with a greater risk of heat waves and heat-related illnesses — because the Arctic sea ice is melting, according to a weather expert on Wednesday.

2026.5.27

Pedestrians cover themselves with umbrellas against the rain in Jongno District, central Seoul, on Sept. 17, 2025. [YONHAP]

Summer monsoon-like downpours expected to hit southern Korea on Tuesday

Torrential rain, comparable to peak-summer monsoon downpours, is forecast to hit the southern regions of Korea on Tuesday. The south coast and Jeju Island are expected to experience particularly heavy rainfall, driven by large moisture inflows.

2026.5.25

A pedestrian walks under heavy rain in Jongno District, central Seoul, in September 2025. [YONHAP]

Heavy rain expected to sweep across Korea from Monday night

Heavy rain is expected to sweep across Korea starting Monday night, with downpours of up to 50 millimeters (2 inches) per hour expected in the southern regions on Tuesday. Authorities are already on high alert for possible flood damage.

2026.5.24

The sky above the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on May 4 [NEWS1]

The reason that Korea has recorded no fine dust advisories nationwide in May

Korea has recorded zero fine dust advisories nationwide so far in May, a marked improvement from the 19 alert days issued between January and April.

2026.5.23

Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaks at a joint conference hosted by the Global Green Growth Institute and the Green Climate Fund at the Four Seasons Hotel in central Seoul on May 21. [GGGI]

Former UN chief urges United States to 'do its part' for global climate action during forum in Seoul

Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the United States to return to the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation as well as its other international obligations to “do its part” in a forum on global climate action in Seoul Thursday.

2026.5.21

A group of visitors holding umbrellas walks around Deoksu Palace in Jongno District, central Seoul, on May 20. [YONHAP]

Heavy rain, harsh winds to lash country through Thursday

Heavy rain and harsh winds are set to lash much of the country through Thursday, with some areas expected to see more than 150 millimeters (5.9 inches) of rainfall.

2026.5.20