Heat advisory returns to Seoul after weekend rain

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that a heat advisory is in effect for 19 districts across the city's southeastern, northeastern and southwestern zones as of 11 a.m. A brief respite brought by weekend rainfall has ended, with temperatures climbing again.

A heat advisory is issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature is forecast to reach 33 degrees Celsius or higher for two or more consecutive days.

The advisory covers four districts in the southeastern zone — Gangdong-gu, Songpa-gu, Gangnam-gu and Seocho-gu — eight in the northeastern zone — Jungnang-gu, Seongdong-gu, Gwangjin-gu, Dobong-gu, Nowon-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Seongbuk-gu and Dongdaemun-gu — and seven in the southwestern zone — Gangseo-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Guro-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Dongjak-gu, Gwanak-gu and Geumcheon-gu.

In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government activated its comprehensive heat response operations center and is working with district offices and related agencies to strengthen public protection and safety management at vulnerable facilities. The center operates dedicated units covering general coordination, lifestyle support, energy recovery and medical and quarantine services.

The operations center monitors weather conditions, damage reports and the protection status of vulnerable groups and facilities, while managing response activities.

The 19 districts under the advisory are maintaining full heat response systems, including operations center staffing and stockpiling of cooling supplies and emergency relief materials.

"Although the weekend rain briefly eased the heat, temperatures and apparent temperatures have risen again after the rain stopped, triggering heat advisories across most of Seoul," said Choe Jin-seok, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Disaster and Safety Management Office. "We will closely monitor weather conditions and rigorously carry out heat countermeasures in each area, including protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring the safety of outdoor workers."

Since the KDCA's heat-related illness surveillance system began operating on May 15, Seoul has recorded 445 heat-related illness cases and five deaths through Sunday. Two of those deaths occurred on Aug. 7, when the daytime high soared to 38 degrees Celsius.