Extreme heat not over yet as Typhoon Dolphin looms as wild card

As temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius across the Yeongnam region, the heat is expected to intensify further next week, spreading to the Greater Seoul area and other western parts of the country. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast that heat waves and tropical nights will persist for now, identifying the path of Typhoon Dolphin, the 13th named storm of the season, as a key variable that could shape temperature trends ahead.

Heat wave advisories are in effect across most of the country, with some areas of South Gyeongsang Province expected to see highs of around 39 C — a level the KMA described as life-threatening, the agency said Thursday.

"With heat wave advisories in force across most of the country, the South Gyeongsang region is forecast to see highs climb above 39 C, bringing extreme heat at a level that threatens human life," the KMA said.

The highest-tier heat wave major alert is in effect for Yangsan, Changwon, Gimhae, Miryang, Uiryeong and Changnyeong in South Gyeongsang Province, as well as most of Busan excluding its eastern districts. Daytime highs in those areas are forecast to reach 39 C.

Following Yangsan's record of 40.3 C on Wednesday, temperatures could again exceed 40 C in some locations Thursday. Busan is of particular note — after hitting 38.8 C on Wednesday, its highest reading in 122 years, the city is expected to reach 39 C Thursday.

The record-breaking heat results from the Tibetan high and the North Pacific high simultaneously blanketing the Korean Peninsula. The two high-pressure systems generate strong descending air currents that suppress cloud formation while continuously funneling hot, humid air into the region, pushing up both actual temperatures and the heat index.

A foehn effect — in which westerly winds crossing the Taebaek Mountains cause the air to heat up further — has also contributed to the particularly sharp temperature rises in South Gyeongsang Province and other eastern areas.

The heat wave is expected to continue into next week. Clear skies will allow intense sunlight to bake the ground throughout the day, and from around the middle of next week, easterly winds are forecast to push temperatures significantly higher in Seoul and the Greater Seoul area. Daytime highs in Seoul could climb to around 37 C.

"As the air heats up, the high-pressure system will strengthen, and from Tuesday easterly winds will move in, bringing clear skies and even higher temperatures to western areas," said Kang Hye-mi, a forecast analyst at the KMA. "Please take caution against heat waves and tropical nights for now."

The KMA said it is difficult to predict how long the heat wave will last, as the current pressure pattern is likely to persist for the time being.

"The heat wave began less than a week after the monsoon season ended, making it hard to say right now when it will be over," said Woo Jin-gyu, a KMA forecaster.

The biggest wild card in the heat wave outlook is Typhoon Dolphin, the 13th named storm of the season.

Dolphin, which formed Monday, was moving west-northwest at 21 kilometers per hour as of 9 a.m. Thursday, located about 2,280 kilometers east of Guam. The KMA forecast that the storm will intensify to Category 5 — the strongest classification — before tracking westward.

On its current projected path, Dolphin is expected to approach waters south of Tokyo by Tuesday, though its subsequent track remains uncertain. Depending on where the typhoon moves, South Korea's pressure pattern could shift, potentially affecting the intensity of the heat wave.

"If the typhoon tracks further south, Seoul and the Greater Seoul area could see temperatures rise due to easterly winds," Woo said. "How the typhoon influences the pressure system will determine how temperatures change."

Experts are urging the public to follow heat illness prevention guidelines for now — limiting outdoor activity during the day as much as possible and staying well hydrated. They particularly advised the elderly, children and outdoor workers, who are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, to avoid prolonged exposure during midday hours. Even at night, as tropical nights continue, maintaining appropriate indoor temperatures to regulate body heat remains essential, they said.