[Anchor]

Extreme heat continues to rage day after day. Temperatures in Seoul are expected to soar up to 38°C (100°F) today (the 4th). A severe heat wave alert has also been issued for the Seoul metropolitan area for the first time. Let us connect to the weather center for more details on how long this heat wave will last.

Weathercaster Ahn Su-jin.

[Caster]

A severe heat wave alert has been issued for the Seoul metropolitan area for the first time.

The severe heat wave alert is the highest tier of heat advisories newly established this year.

It has been issued for the capital area for the first time.

So far, daytime highs in Seoul have already exceeded 34°C (93°F).

Daytime temperatures in Gimhae have surged close to 37°C (99°F).

Today, Seoul's daytime high is expected to reach 38°C (100°F), making it the hottest day of the year so far.

Daytime temperatures in Jeonju will skyrocket to 39°C (102°F).

The heat wave is expected to be prolonged.

Cases of heat-related illnesses are occurring in various places these days.

You must take good care of your health to avoid exhaustion from the heat, such as drinking water frequently.

Strong sunlight will beat down during the day today.

Ultraviolet ray indices will rise to very high levels in many areas.

You need to pay attention to blocking UV rays using parasols or hats.

In addition, ozone concentrations, which are harmful to the respiratory system, will also run high.

Ozone levels will soar to "bad" levels in the Seoul metropolitan area, South Chungcheong Province, Jeolla provinces, and South Gyeongsang Province.

Today, sudden and noisy showers are expected to pour mainly centering around southern Gyeonggi Province, Chungcheong provinces, inland Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces, and mountainous areas of Jeju.

Clear weather will continue for the time being.

Rain is forecasted mainly centering around the mountainous areas of Jeju tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.

Please keep in mind that the weather will be subject to major fluctuations for the time being depending on the movement path of typhoons and surrounding pressure systems.

(Weathercaster Ahn Su-jin)