The heat wave and tropical nights are likely to linger across the country for a while and will not ease easily.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 28th, on the morning of the 29th, the minimum temperature in most regions nationwide will remain between 22 and 26 degrees. Daytime highs will soar to 32-37 degrees.
By major cities, Seoul, Daejeon and Gwangju will see lows of 26 degrees and highs of 34, while Incheon will rise from 26 to 32. In the southern region, Daegu will range from 25 to 37, Ulsan from 26 to 36, and Busan from 26 to 35, with very hot conditions at midday.
Currently, heat alerts have been issued for 228 of the 235 weather advisory zones nationwide, accounting for 97%. In particular, very dangerous heat warnings are in effect for Yangsan, Uiryeong and Changnyeong in South Gyeongsang Province. Tropical night advisories have also been issued for 161 zones.
The reason this suffocating, furnace-like heat continues is that two massive air masses—the North Pacific high and the Tibetan high—are layered over the skies of Korea. Experts said this phenomenon could keep severe heat in place for the time being and advised people to take special care.
In particular, the South Gyeongsang region is feared to face life-threatening extreme heat as warm, humid southwesterly winds cross high mountain ranges and become even hotter and drier. Accordingly, people should stop outdoor activities as much as possible and pay attention to safety.
Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the 29th, ozone levels in Gyeonggi, South Chungcheong, and the Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang area are expected to rise to "bad," degrading air quality.
Along the east coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon, and the east coast and northern mountainous areas of North Gyeongsang, very strong winds of around 55 kph (70 kph in the mountains) may blow from night, so facilities should be managed carefully.
Additionally, starting this day, the moon's gravitational pull strengthens and the sea level rises above normal, so low-lying coastal areas should prepare thoroughly to prevent flooding.