On Thursday the 6th, extreme heat will continue as daytime highs rise to 30–38 C across most of the country. With the extreme heat emergency warning expanded mainly in the greater Seoul area, some places are forecast to see midday temperatures exceed 39 C, with dangerous heat at life‑threatening levels continuing.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 5th, on the 6th the morning low is forecast at 21–27 C and the daytime high at 30–38 C. That is 1–5 degrees higher than the average (low 21–25 C, high 29–33 C).
By major city, the morning low is expected to be 27 C in Seoul, 26 C in Incheon, 24 C in Chuncheon, 23 C in Gangneung, 25 C in Daejeon, 26 C in Daegu, 26 C in Jeonju, 26 C in Gwangju, 26 C in Busan, and 27 C in Jeju.
Daytime highs are expected to reach 38 C in Seoul and Jeonju, with 36 C in Incheon, 37 C in Chuncheon, 37 C in Daejeon, 36 C in Daegu, 36 C in Gwangju, 33 C in Busan, and 33 C in Jeju.
The heat wave is intensifying mainly in the greater Seoul area. As of 4 p.m. that day, among 48 land weather advisory zones in the capital region, a total of 30 zones (62.5%)—all four zones in Seoul, 23 in Gyeonggi, and three in Incheon—were under the highest alert, the extreme heat emergency warning.
Based on the automatic weather station (AWS), Deokpung-dong, Hanam, Gyeonggi, recorded 39.3 C; Nowon District, Seoul, 39.2 C; Guro District, Seoul, 38.9 C; and Goyang, Gyeonggi, 38.9 C, with temperatures in many parts of the capital region soaring to around 39 C.
Outside the capital region, Gwangyang, South Jeolla, is currently under an extreme heat emergency warning. Cheongyang, South Chungcheong, where the region's first extreme heat emergency warning took effect in the morning that day, was downgraded to a heat wave warning in the afternoon.
Nationwide, among 235 land weather advisory zones, 31 are under an extreme heat emergency warning, 138 under a heat wave warning, and 55 under a heat advisory.
The extreme heat emergency warning is the highest level of heat alert, issued when, in areas where the daily maximum heat index has stayed at 35 C or higher for at least two days, the maximum heat index of 38 C or higher or a maximum temperature of 39 C or higher is expected.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said the maximum heat index is expected to rise to around 35 C in most regions nationwide. Accordingly, in areas under an extreme heat emergency warning, even healthy people may be at risk, so people should refrain as much as possible from unnecessary outdoor activities and outdoor work.
It also emphasized that people should take sufficient rest in shade, cooling centers, or places with air conditioning, drink water frequently, and, if symptoms of heat-related illness appear, immediately call 119 or visit a medical institution.
With temperatures not dropping sufficiently at night, tropical nights with minimum temperatures staying at 25 C or higher are expected to continue in many places nationwide. The Korea Meteorological Administration urged people to use air conditioners and fans at night to lower indoor temperatures and to frequently check the health of older adults and those with chronic illnesses.
Meanwhile, most of the country will be mostly clear, but Jeju Island will see many clouds, with some areas receiving 5–20 mm of rain through the morning. However, after the rain stops, high humidity and rising temperatures are expected to bring back the heat.