Seoul: South Korea has issued its first-ever “grave heat wave” warnings for the southeastern cities of Gyeongsan and Pohang under the country’s newly introduced highest-level heat alert system.
According to officials, the warnings came into effect at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday after temperatures reached 39.9°C in Gyeongsan and 37.2°C in Pohang on Saturday. Forecasters expect temperatures in both cities to climb to around 39°C again on Sunday.
The grave heat wave warning is the highest alert under South Korea’s new heat warning system, which was introduced on June 1 to improve public preparedness for extreme weather.
Under the system, the highest-level warning is issued when the forecast maximum temperature reaches 39°C in areas where the apparent temperature has remained at 35°C or higher for at least two consecutive days.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid outdoor activities, remain in shaded or air-conditioned places, drink plenty of water and take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The new warning reflects growing concerns over increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves affecting the country during the summer.
