[Weather] Searing Heat Continues at the "Threshold of Autumn"... Seoul Temperatures Near 40 Degrees

On Friday the 7th, which marks the seasonal start of "Ipchu" (the beginning of autumn), extreme heat is expected to continue, with daytime high temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the morning low is forecast to be between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius, while the daytime high will range from 31 to 39 degrees Celsius. In most areas of Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, the maximum heat index is expected to exceed 39 degrees Celsius, prompting the issuance of an extreme heat alert. Nationwide, the maximum heat index is projected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius, indicating that the sweltering weather will persist.

On the 6th, when the heat continues, the Korea Meteorological Administration monitor in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, displays the highest temperature (left) and the apparent temperature status. Photo by Yonhap News

By major city, the expected daytime highs are as follows: Seoul 39 degrees, Suwon 38 degrees, Incheon 38 degrees, Chuncheon 38 degrees, Gangneung 32 degrees, Daejeon 37 degrees, Daegu 37 degrees, Jeonju 39 degrees, Gwangju 38 degrees, Busan 35 degrees, and Jeju 33 degrees. In many areas, nighttime temperatures are not expected to drop sufficiently, so the minimum temperature will remain above 25 degrees Celsius, resulting in frequent occurrences of tropical night conditions.

While much of the country will see mostly clear skies, Jeju is expected to be cloudy and become overcast by nighttime. Dense fog with visibility below 200 meters is expected in the mountainous areas of Gangwon due to inflow of low clouds carried by easterly winds.

The number of patients with heat-related illnesses and deaths from heatstroke continues to rise, requiring extra caution. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of the 5th, a total of 2,665 cases of heat-related illnesses were reported, and two additional deaths brought the cumulative toll to 23.

One of the deceased was a man in his 70s in Gimje, Jeonbuk, who suffered from a heat-related illness while out on the street. In another case, a man in his 70s from Busanjin-gu, Busan, was recently confirmed to have died after visiting the emergency room with a heat-related illness on July 29. Although the number of heat illness cases is lower than the 3,300 cases reported during the same period last year, the number of deaths now stands at two more than last year's total of 21.

The Korea Meteorological Administration advised, "Be especially cautious at indoor and outdoor worksites, in rice fields, on farmland, and on roads, as the heat index may be even higher in these locations," and further urged, "Take precautions against air conditioner outdoor unit fires and power outages due to increased electricity consumption."

Meanwhile, fine dust levels are expected to range from 'Good' to 'Moderate' across all regions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.