South Korea to issue a "severe heatwave warning" for the first time ever

• In South Korea, authorities issued the first-ever "severe heatwave warning" after forecasts indicated temperatures close to 38C in the afternoon.
• In the coming days, temperatures are expected to reach 42.5C, the highest in South Korea; the warning was issued amid fears of 16 deaths, according to special forecasts.
• South Korea has ordered restrictions on outdoor activity: the ban is intended to prevent the spread of heat-related illnesses, after the forecast of the Typhoon Dolphin weather system.

The heatwave is expected to last through the period covered by the "severe heatwave warning" in South Korea, which was triggered by the Korea Meteorological Administration’s forecast of a record-high heatwave. According to the forecast, temperatures will be close to 38C in the afternoon over the next two days, with temperatures staying at around 37C.

On Sunday, temperatures are expected to reach 42.5C, which would be the highest ever recorded in South Korea. The Korea Meteorological Administration said the heat is expected to be driven by a foehn phenomenon, as well as the Typhoon Dolphin system.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, South Korea recorded 16 heat-related deaths, with 2,000 people affected by heat illness. The agency also said that, between 15 and 2,025 people experienced heat-related health problems, with 16 people dying.

President Lee Jae Myung said on Saturday that the government would take measures to prevent heat-related deaths, stressing that the number of deaths could rise if the situation worsens. He also said the government would take steps to ensure that people can receive timely help and that medical services are prepared.

South Korea’s medical workers will work to prevent heat-related illnesses, with the government planning to dispatch up to 63,000 medical personnel to respond to heat-related emergencies. The government said it will also provide cooling centers and support for people at higher risk. It also said it will strengthen efforts to prevent heatstroke and other heat-related conditions.

Meanwhile, the Korea Meteorological Administration said the heatwave is linked to a high-pressure system over the Korean Peninsula, and also to strong winds associated with the foehn phenomenon. It added that the Typhoon Dolphin system could further intensify the heat.

It is expected that the heatwave will continue to affect South Korea’s southern regions, with conditions potentially worsening later this week. Officials said that the risk of heat-related illnesses could remain high for several days.

Tags: Europe/Weather