[Anchor]

A severe heat wave warning, issued when temperatures reach levels dangerous even for healthy individuals, has been put in place for Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province for the first time since its introduction. The sweltering heat across the country has persisted into the night. It is expected to remain very hot through today, July 13.

Reporter Dong Eunyeong has the story.

[Reporter]

Even after the sun sets, the heat refuses to dissipate, leaving Seoul's Hangang Park crowded with citizens.

Wiping away sweat with tissues and drinking cold beverages are not enough to cool down.

[Jeong Dong-ryeol / Gwanak-gu, Seoul: It is so hot that even a short walk makes me sweat, and even with two portable fans running, the sweat won't dry.]

With tropical night advisories issued for most parts of the country, outdoor swimming pools that extended their hours into the night were packed with people looking to escape the heat.

The tropical night advisory, newly established this year, is issued when the maximum perceived temperature remains at or above 33°C (91°F) for two or more consecutive days, and in major cities, when the nighttime low temperature is 26°C (79°F) or higher.

[Park Young-jun & Park Si-yeon / Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul: It was so hot that we packed our things and came out at night. Our child is so excited that they don't want to get out of the water. (It was fun.)]

[An Ji-a & Song Si-on / Gangbuk-gu, Seoul: It was hot at first, but it became cool once we got here. We swam, ate delicious food, and had a great time.]

Yesterday, the first-ever severe heat wave warning was issued for Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province.

This is the highest level of alert, newly created this year—18 years after the heat wave warning system was introduced in 2008. It is issued when the perceived temperature is expected to exceed 38°C (100°F) or the maximum temperature is expected to surpass 39°C (102°F). The sweltering heat is expected to continue today.

With temperatures such as 33°C (91°F) in Seoul and 36°C (97°F) in Daegu, the perceived temperature is expected to rise above 33°C (91°F) in most parts of the country. In the southern regions, where humid southerly winds are blowing, the perceived temperature could soar to 38°C (100°F).

This heat is expected to subside as rain falls across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that the heat will continue in the southern regions where rainfall is expected to be light, and that the heat will return to the central regions once the rain stops.

(Video reporting: Yang Ji-hoon, Video editing: Choi Hye-ran)