Heat wave alerts blanket 90% of South Korea as monsoon rains ease

Scorching heat swept across South Korea almost immediately after the monsoon rains retreated. Heat wave advisories were upgraded to full warnings in Seoul and numerous other areas Saturday afternoon, bringing virtually the entire country under a heat wave alert. The government raised its heat wave disaster crisis level to "Alert" and moved into emergency response mode.

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued heat wave warnings Saturday afternoon for southeastern and southwestern Seoul. A heat wave advisory had been issued for seven southwestern districts on Friday, expanded to all of Seoul by 11 a.m. Saturday, and within a couple of hours half the city's districts were upgraded to full warnings. A heat wave warning is issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature is forecast to reach 35 degrees Celsius or above for two or more consecutive days.

The agency also issued additional heat wave warnings Saturday afternoon for four areas in North Chungcheong Province including Okcheon, Yeongdong and Cheongju; Buyeo and Geumsan in South Chungcheong Province; southern Sejong; Ganghwa and northern Incheon; eastern and western Gwangju; 15 areas in South Jeolla Province including Suncheon, Damyang and Hwasun; 13 areas in North Gyeongsang Province including Gumi, Yeongcheon and Gyeongsan; Uiryeong in South Gyeongsang Province; and northern Dalseong in Daegu.

Combined with areas already under warning — including much of southern Gyeonggi Province, six areas in South Gyeongsang Province such as Changwon, Gimhae and Yangsan, Daegu, four areas in North Jeolla Province including Jeonju, Gunsan, Gimje and Buan, and western Busan — heat wave warning zones nationwide now number more than 70. Heat wave advisories remain in effect across most other areas.

Temperatures are surging. Daytime highs Saturday were forecast at 29 to 37 degrees Celsius nationwide. Pohang was expected to reach 37 degrees, Daegu 35 to 36 degrees, and Seoul around 33 degrees with an apparent temperature exceeding 34 degrees. The administration said the heat feels even more intense than the numbers suggest, as humidity remains elevated following the recent heavy rains and temperatures are rising sharply.

The government and local authorities moved into emergency response mode. The Ministry of Interior and Safety raised the heat wave disaster crisis alert from "Caution" to "Alert" as of 3 p.m. Friday, after heat wave alerts had been issued for 116 of the country's 235 alert zones. The number of zones under alert has since grown further. The ministry directed authorities to step up monitoring, focusing on the elderly, farmers and outdoor workers.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government activated its comprehensive heat wave support operations center Saturday. All 24 district offices — except Gangbuk-gu, which is using a temporary building — will remain open 24 hours a day throughout the alert period so residents can escape the heat at night. Construction sites and other outdoor workplaces were advised to ensure adequate rest breaks and operate rest facilities.

The heat is expected to persist for now. Some rain is forecast for Sunday along the southern coast of South Jeolla Province, western South Gyeongsang Province and Jeju, but it is unlikely to provide meaningful relief. The administration said Typhoon Babi is expected to make landfall in China around the weekend, after which a shift in atmospheric pressure patterns could bring monsoon rains back by the middle of next week.

"The risk of heat-related illness is high, so please drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the midday hours," a Korea Meteorological Administration official said.