[Anchor]

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued a severe heat wave warning for Pohang and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province for the first time in history. Daytime temperatures in these regions are forecast to reach 39°C (102°F), and authorities have advised an immediate halt to all outdoor activities.

Reporter Jeong Gu-hui has the story.

[Reporter]

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a severe heat wave warning for Pohang and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province, effective as of 10:00 a.m. today (July 12).

This system, implemented for the first time this year, is issued for regions where the perceived temperature is expected to exceed 38°C (100°F) or daytime temperatures are forecast to surpass 39°C (102°F).

Yesterday, Hayang-eup in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, recorded a temperature of 39.9°C (104°F), and temperatures in the Gyeongsan and Pohang areas are expected to climb to 39°C (102°F) again today.

[Lee Mi-sun / Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration: A severe heat wave warning does not simply mean the weather is very hot. It indicates a situation where there is a significantly high risk of serious harm, such as heat-related illnesses or even death, even for healthy individuals.]

According to an analysis by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, when the perceived temperature exceeds 38°C (100°F)—the threshold for a severe heat wave warning—the overall risk of death increases by 4% for those under 65 and by 19% for those 65 and older.

The government has advised that in regions where a severe heat wave warning is in effect, outdoor activities and work should be stopped immediately, and residents should move to cooler areas such as designated heat shelters.

Extreme heat is continuing in other regions as well.

Heat wave warnings, which are issued when the perceived temperature is expected to exceed 35°C (95°F), remain in effect for many inland areas across the country, including Seoul.

Today's daytime highs are expected to reach 34°C (93°F) in Seoul, 35°C (95°F) in Gangneung, Daejeon, and Jeonju, and 36°C (97°F) in Daegu. Due to high humidity, the perceived temperature may be even higher.

The cause of this heat wave is the North Pacific high-pressure system and the upper-level Tibetan high-pressure system simultaneously covering the Korean Peninsula, trapping heat and preventing it from escaping.

The KMA expects the extreme heat to continue until tomorrow, with a temporary respite expected on Tuesday and Wednesday as rain brought by a low-pressure system is forecast.

(Video Editing: Kim Yoon-sung)