The temperature in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do, briefly approached 40°C (104°F) today (July 11), as virtually the entire country has come under the influence of heat wave alerts.

According to records from the Korea Meteorological Administration's Automatic Weather System (AWS), the temperature in Hayang-eup reached 39.9°C (104°F) at approximately 2:23 p.m. today.

As of 2:55 p.m., the temperature in Hayang-eup had dropped to 38.3°C (101°F).

Looking at the peak temperatures recorded at other observation points as of 2:00 p.m., many areas, particularly in the Yeongnam region, saw daytime temperatures well above 35°C (95°F), including 38.2°C (101°F) in Sinam-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu; 37.5°C (100°F) in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do; and 36.8°C (98°F) in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Daytime temperatures also rose to 34.4°C (94°F) in Daejeon, 34.3°C (94°F) in Gwangju, 33.0°C (91°F) in Busan, 32.4°C (90°F) in Seoul, 31.6°C (89°F) in Ulsan, and 31.0°C (88°F) in Incheon.

These peak temperature records are based on data as of 2:00 p.m. and may rise further throughout the day.

The current extreme heat is caused by the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High simultaneously covering the Korean Peninsula, while hot and humid air continues to flow in along the edge of the North Pacific High.

This level of heat is expected to persist for the time being. Due to high humidity, the perceived temperature in most regions is expected to reach up to 33°C (91°F), and climb to 35°C (95°F) or higher, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong province, and the southern regions.

Consequently, heat wave alerts have been issued for 209 locations, which accounts for 89% of the 235 land-based weather alert zones across the country.

Heat wave advisories, issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to be 33°C (91°F) or higher for two or more consecutive days, are in effect for 130 locations. Heat wave warnings, issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to be 35°C (95°F) or higher for two or more consecutive days, are in effect for 79 locations.

As the heat is not expected to subside at night, tropical nights are forecast in various areas.

Currently, tropical night advisories are in effect for the plains of Donghae, Samcheok, and Gangneung in Gangwon-do; Nonsan, Buyeo, and Boryeong (excluding islands) in Chungcheongnam-do; Jeongeup in Jeollabuk-do; Gyeongsan, Pohang, and Chilgok in Gyeongsangbuk-do; central Daegu and southern Dalseong-gun; Yangsan, Gimhae, and Miryang in Gyeongsangnam-do; and the western, northern, and eastern parts of Jeju Island.

(Photo: Yonhap News)