Heat Wave Sweeps Across Korea as Monsoon Rains Subside; Temperatures Hit 39.9°C

[Anchor]

As the monsoon rains have ceased, intense heat has blanketed the entire country as if the rain had never happened. In Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, the temperature soared to nearly 40°C (104°F), and the first heat wave warning of the year was issued for Seoul.

Reporter Han Sung-hee captures the scene of citizens enduring the sweltering heat.

[Reporter]

At 2:00 p.m., as the heat trapped in the ground radiates into the air, the Han River swimming pool is crowded with citizens looking to cool off.

[Jeon Sang-hyuk: My exams ended last week, so I came here to celebrate and cool down because the weather is so hot.]

[Lee Ga-eun: I want to jump into the water right now. It is so hot.]

Despite the stinging sun, laughter fills the water.

[Yoo Eun-cheon: If I stay at home, I sweat just by sitting still, but the water temperature is just right and it feels great. It is refreshing.]

Citizens who have turned the shade under the Hangang Bridge into a summer retreat soothe the sweltering heat by dipping their feet in the water.

[Shin Eun-soo: It is extremely hot. But it feels cool when I dip my feet (in the water).]

A heat wave warning was issued for the southeastern and southwestern parts of Seoul as of 2:00 p.m.

This is the first heat wave warning issued in Seoul this summer. A heat wave warning is issued when the highest perceived temperature is expected to exceed 35°C (95°F) for two or more consecutive days.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has upgraded its heat wave response system from the "Caution" to the "Alert" level and has begun expanding the operation of its comprehensive heat wave support situation room.

Today (July 11), the daytime high temperatures reached 32.6°C (91°F) in Seoul, 37.3°C (99°F) in Daegu, 36.4°C (98°F) in Gumi, 35.9°C (97°F) in Jeonju, 35.5°C (96°F) in Gangneung, and 33°C (91°F) in Busan, while Hayang-eup in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, soared to 39.9°C (104°F).

Due to high humidity, the perceived temperature in most parts of the country exceeded 33°C (91°F).

With the exception of mountainous areas in Gangwon Province, most of the country is under the influence of heat wave advisories. The Korea Meteorological Administration has urged the public to refrain from strenuous outdoor activities during the day and to take care of their health by drinking plenty of water.

(Reported by Jang Woon-seok, Oh Won-seok from KNN, and Seong Nak-joong from TJB | Video edited by Lee Sang-min)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.