It was very hot again today (July 30), wasn't it.

Currently, two major high-pressure systems responsible for summer heat waves are firmly entrenched in both the upper and lower atmospheres across our country.

Amidst this, westerly winds continued to blow today, sending daytime temperatures in the Gyeongnam region soaring to around 40°C (104°F).

However, starting next week, the wind direction will shift from westerly to easterly, causing severe heat waves to concentrate in western regions, including Seoul.

What you are looking at is the daytime temperature graph for Seoul.

In the early part of next week, daytime temperatures are expected to rise to 37°C (99°F).

Meanwhile, in Yangsan, where scorching temperatures of 40°C (104°F) have persisted day after day, temperatures are expected to drop to around 35°C (95°F) next week.

The variable that could ease this prolonged heat wave is a typhoon.

The typhoon is still very far away from our country, making it difficult to gauge what kind of impact it will have.

However, it is projected to gradually move westward next week, approaching the waters south of Tokyo, Japan.

We will need to continue monitoring how it will affect our country's pressure systems next week.

Meanwhile, a serious heat wave warning remains in effect for the eastern part of Gyeongnam.

Tomorrow, daytime temperatures in Busan and Changwon will rise to 38°C (100°F), while Seoul will reach 34°C (93°F).

Mostly sunny weather is expected to continue next week under the influence of the North Pacific high-pressure system.

(Reported by Weathercaster Nam Yu-jin)