Sauna-Like Heat Grips South Korea with Temperatures Reaching 36 Degrees Celsius Amid Scattered Showers

South Korea is experiencing a severe heatwave, with the perceived temperature reaching 33 degrees Celsius and humidity levels making it feel like a sauna. Inland areas are forecast to see daytime high temperatures climb to 36 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, July 15, a day marking the start of the hottest period of summer.

The Korea Meteorological Administration warned that while scattered showers are expected nationwide through the afternoon, the humidity will keep the actual feel of the heat high. Some regions, including Gangwon's eastern coast and Gyeongsang Province, will experience temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius. Heatwave advisories remain active for Gangwon's mountainous and coastal areas, Gyeongsang Province, parts of Jeolla Province, and Jeju Island.

Despite the rain, which may lead to the lifting or easing of some advisories, the high humidity will persist. Coastal areas of the west coast (excluding South Jeolla's coast), central inland Chungcheong Province, coastal Gyeongnam Province, and the eastern coastal and northern mountainous regions of Gyeongbuk, along with Gangwon's mountainous areas, could experience sudden gusts of wind up to 70 kilometers per hour (20 meters per second) through the afternoon.