South Korea’s record heat wave shows no signs of easing, though Typhoon Dolphin could shift conditions soon. Yangsan recorded 42.5 degrees Celsius Sunday, marking the highest temperature ever measured nationwide. Consequently, authorities raised their heat wave response level, intensifying preparedness efforts across affected regions.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety escalated its response to Level 2 on Sunday. Meanwhile, Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon urged employers to halt outdoor work during dangerous temperature conditions. Specifically, officials recommended suspending outdoor labor once perceived temperatures reach 38 degrees Celsius nationwide.
Health officials reported 1,781 heat-related illness cases nationwide between mid-May and Friday this year. Additionally, thirteen deaths were suspected of connecting directly to this record heat wave. Although cases remain below last year’s totals, authorities expect numbers to climb further.
Southeastern regions have experienced the most severe conditions throughout this ongoing heat emergency. Yangsan became the first location nationwide to exceed 40 degrees Celsius this year. Furthermore, neighboring cities Busan and Ulsan have approached similarly dangerous temperature thresholds recently.
Roughly one-fifth of all heat-related illnesses have concentrated within four southeastern provinces specifically. Meanwhile, Seoul and western regions remain under active heat wave warnings currently. Forecasters expect the capital to reach 37 degrees Celsius as hot air pushes inland.
According to a Korea Meteorological Administration official, residents should drink water and limit outdoor exposure. Apparent temperatures will likely hover near 35 degrees across most regions temporarily. Therefore, health officials continue urging caution to prevent additional heat-related illnesses nationwide.
Looking ahead, Typhoon Dolphin’s trajectory could either worsen or temporarily ease current conditions. Should the typhoon shift toward China, increased humidity might intensify this record heat wave further. Alternatively, a southern track could bring rain and wind, offering brief relief nationwide. Authorities expect clearer forecasts regarding the typhoon’s impact within the coming days ahead.
