Value context and insight. lkm@koreatimes.co.kr
Heat wave continues Heat advisories issued nationwide
Air shimmers with heat on a street in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday, when midday highs rose to 34 degrees Celsius. The government sent a text message to people in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan areas to take extra caution against the heat. / Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
By Lee Kyung-min
The government sent text messages urging people in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan areas to take extra caution against the heat, Thursday.
This was the first time this year the Ministry of Public Safety and Security issued such a message throughout the region, while it has done so in other parts of the country about 20 times.
“People are advised to refrain from farm work under the sun or outdoor activities, drink a lot of water, and take care of those vulnerable to heat such as the elderly and children,” the message said.
Most of the country issued the advisories. Midday highs reached 37 degrees Celsius in Daegu, 35 degrees in Daejeon, Gwangju and Ulsan, and 34 degrees in Seoul.
The current heat wave is expected to continue with many regions having more than 33 degree midday highs, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). Hot and humid nights with more than 25 degree morning lows are also likely.
“The nation will continue to experience the heat wave through next week because the seasonal rain front has moved away from the Korean Peninsula, with a strong ridge of high pressure approaching,” a KMA official said.
“No rain is forecast until next Wednesday,” he said.
The heat wave has killed seven people this summer so far, and more than 680 people have suffered from heatstroke, according to the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention.