South Korea Issues Highest Heat Warning Amid 'Double Heat Dome'

South Korea is currently enduring a severe heatwave, intensified by a meteorological phenomenon described as a "double heat dome." This occurs when the Tibetan Plateau high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere combines with the North Pacific high-pressure system in the mid-to-lower layers, trapping hot air over the Korean Peninsula.

In response to the escalating temperatures, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has implemented a new, highest-level warning: the "Major Heatwave Warning." This designation is reserved for situations where the highest perceived temperature is expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius or the highest daily temperature surpasses 39 degrees Celsius for at least one day, following two consecutive days of temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius.

KMA chief Lee Mi-seon emphasized the gravity of this new warning, stating, "The Major Heatwave Warning does not simply mean the weather is very hot." She elaborated that it signifies a "significantly high risk of serious harm, such as heatstroke or death, even for healthy individuals." The introduction of this advanced warning system underscores the unprecedented severity of the current heat conditions and the urgent need for public health precautions.

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The Major Heatwave Warning does not simply mean the weather is very hot. It signifies a significantly high risk of serious harm, such as heatstroke or death, even for healthy individuals.