Summer has arrived earlier this year as daily highs have been hovering for days near 30 degrees Celsius in central areas of South Korea including Seoul.
 
The Korea Meteorological Administration said temperatures soared to 28-point-three degrees Celsius in Seoul on Thursday, four-point-two degrees higher than average years.
 
Thursday also marked the second highest temperature since the beginning of this year, with the yearly high recorded on Tuesday at 28-point-four degrees Celsius.
 
In past years, the average temperature in mid and late May is usually between 22 and 23 degrees Celsius. The recent high temperatures between 27 and 28 degrees are unusual for this time of year.
 
The weather agency said the high pressure south of Jeju Island has pushed warm air to the mainland causing sunny days.
 
The agency added the unseasonably hot weather will be temporarily cooled down as rain is expected on Sunday and Monday across the nation.