South Korea Endures Scorching Heatwave, Temperatures Reach 40°C
South Korea faced its first 40 degrees Celsius day in six years on Sunday, causing a surge in heat-related illnesses and fatalities. The severe heatwave, driven by high-pressure systems, is expected to persist until mid-August. The extreme temperatures have led to significant livestock deaths and event cancellations, with tropical nights also being frequent.
South Korea experienced its first 40 degrees Celsius temperature in six years on Sunday, amid a relentless heatwave that has gripped the country since the end of July.
The severe heat has resulted in approximately 540 cases of heat-related illnesses and five fatalities over the weekend.
The city of Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province recorded 40°C at 3:33 p.m. on Sunday, the highest since August 2018.
The current heatwave, driven by Tibetan and North Pacific high-pressure systems, is expected to continue until at least August 14.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported a significant increase in heat-related illnesses, with 154 new cases on Saturday alone.
Since May 20, there have been 1,546 reported cases and 11 suspected heat-related deaths.
The Interior Ministry has maintained its highest heat wave response level, “serious,” since July 31.
The extreme heat has also caused significant livestock deaths, with nearly 257,483 animals perishing from June 11 to August 1.
Heatwave warnings have been in effect since July 27, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C in some cities.
The Korea Baseball Organization canceled two games on Sunday due to the extreme heat.
The phenomenon of tropical nights, where temperatures remain above 25°C overnight, has been frequent, with Seoul experiencing 14 consecutive tropical nights and Jeju Island 19 consecutive nights.
The severe heat has resulted in approximately 540 cases of heat-related illnesses and five fatalities over the weekend.
The city of Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province recorded 40°C at 3:33 p.m. on Sunday, the highest since August 2018.
The current heatwave, driven by Tibetan and North Pacific high-pressure systems, is expected to continue until at least August 14.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported a significant increase in heat-related illnesses, with 154 new cases on Saturday alone.
Since May 20, there have been 1,546 reported cases and 11 suspected heat-related deaths.
The Interior Ministry has maintained its highest heat wave response level, “serious,” since July 31.
The extreme heat has also caused significant livestock deaths, with nearly 257,483 animals perishing from June 11 to August 1.
Heatwave warnings have been in effect since July 27, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C in some cities.
The Korea Baseball Organization canceled two games on Sunday due to the extreme heat.
The phenomenon of tropical nights, where temperatures remain above 25°C overnight, has been frequent, with Seoul experiencing 14 consecutive tropical nights and Jeju Island 19 consecutive nights.
