Seoul braces for 38C heat as heatwave grips South Korea

South Korea is grappling with a significant heatwave, with the capital, Seoul, bracing for daytime temperatures to soar to 38 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Heatwave advisories have been issued for most regions nationwide, where the perceived temperature is expected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius, indicating extremely hot conditions.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a "heatwave special warning" for parts of the Seoul metropolitan area and the Jeolla provinces, highlighting the severity of the heat. Officials are strongly advising the public to exercise extreme caution to protect their health. Recommended actions include immediately suspending or postponing all non-essential outdoor activities and outdoor work, seeking cool environments like shaded areas or public cooling centers, and ensuring adequate fluid intake and rest.

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We expect extreme heat, particularly in some parts of the Seoul metropolitan area and the Jeolla provinces where a heatwave special warning has been issued, so please take special care of your health.

Many areas are also experiencing tropical nights, with overnight low temperatures remaining above 25 degrees Celsius. Light showers are forecast for the afternoon and evening in some regions, including southern Gyeonggi Province, Chungcheong, Jeolla, western inland Gyeongsang, and mountainous areas of Jeju Island. However, these are not expected to significantly alleviate the oppressive heat. The agency also noted that minimal rainfall might occur in parts of Gangwon Province and the northeastern coast of Gyeongbuk Province during the day.

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Immediately suspend or postpone all non-essential outdoor activities and outdoor work; immediately move to a cool place such as shade, a heat-relief center, or an air-conditioned facility, and drink water and rest; immediately check on the safety of family, neighbors, and the elderly living alone, and call 119 if heat-related illness symptoms occur.