For the first time this year, a severe heat warning was issued for the Seoul metropolitan area including Seoul. With heat advisories in effect for most regions nationwide, the Korea Meteorological Administration projected that the extreme heat will continue on the 4th.
The Korea Meteorological Administration added a severe heat warning at 4 p.m. on the 3rd for southeastern and southwestern Seoul, and Hanam, Osan, and western Yeoju in Gyeonggi, as well as Jangseong and northern Gokseong in South Jeolla. The new severe warning takes effect from 11 a.m. on the 4th.
A severe heat warning is already in effect for Boseong, Yeosu, Gwangyang, Suncheon, and southern Gokseong in South Jeolla, and for eastern Gwangju. As the heat is expected to intensify mainly west of the Baekdudaegan range, the affected areas have been expanded.
This is the first time a severe heat warning has been issued for the Seoul metropolitan area since the system took effect on June 1.
A severe heat warning is the highest level of heat advisory, issued when, in an area where a maximum heat index of 35 C or higher has continued for two or more days, a maximum heat index of 38 C or higher or a maximum temperature of 39 C or higher is expected for at least one day.
Heat advisories are currently in effect across the entire Seoul metropolitan area, and nationwide they are in place for 217 of 235 land weather advisory zones (92%).
The Korea Meteorological Administration said that with the Tibetan high and the North Pacific high simultaneously covering Korea and strong solar radiation adding to it, the heat wave and tropical nights will persist for the time being. In particular, the metropolitan area is expected to see temperatures rise sharply in some locations as an east wind crosses the mountains and turns into a hot, dry foehn wind.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said that in areas under a severe heat warning, people should suspend or postpone outdoor activities and outdoor work as much as possible and move to cool places such as indoor spaces with air conditioning or heat shelters. It also urged people to frequently check the health status of vulnerable groups, including older adults, children, and those with chronic illnesses.