A heatwave has recently hit South Korea. With the issuance of the highest-level high temperature alert—the “Major High Temperature Alert”—over 40% of the capital area is now under this alert, including Gyeonggi Province, South Chungcheong Province, and others. This is the first time the Major High Temperature Alert has been issued in the Chungcheong region.
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the Korea Meteorological Administration newly issued a Major High Temperature Alert for Gwangmyeong, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Gapyeong, Namyangju, Uiwang, Hwaseong, Eastern Yangpyeong, Western Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi Province, as well as Cheongyang in South Chungcheong Province and Southern Incheon. The alert came into effect at 11 a.m.
In addition, including areas such as the entire Seoul area that have already been issued the Major High Temperature Alert and have not yet had it lifted, there are now 20 regions (about 43%) among 46 terrestrial meteorological alert zones in the capital area under the Major High Temperature Alert. The remaining 26 regions are still maintaining a high temperature alert.
The “Major High Temperature Alert” is issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius for more than two consecutive days and is forecast to reach over 38 degrees; or when the maximum temperature exceeds 39 degrees Celsius for more than one day.
Because this means the high temperatures have reached levels that may pose a threat even to healthy people, it is advised to avoid outdoor activities unless absolutely necessary.