Heatwave Eases Slightly, but 35°C Heat Persists... 3,090 Suffer from Heat-Related Illnesses

While the extreme heatwave that continued for days has somewhat eased due to localized rainfall, most regions across the country are still experiencing temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius. As heatwave advisories remain in effect nationwide, more than 200 people have developed heat-related illnesses in a single day, and livestock fatalities are still being reported.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on August 9, heatwave alerts have been issued for most parts of the country, except for areas such as the east coast and northeastern mountains of Gangwon and North Gyeongsang Provinces. Heatwave warnings have been declared in parts of Gyeonggi Province, Yeongwol, Hoengseong, and Wonju in Gangwon, Jincheon and Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province, most of North Jeolla Province, and cities including Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, and Gwangju. All emergency heatwave alerts have been lifted.

As of 1 p.m. on this day, the highest temperature was recorded in Gwangsan, Gwangju, South Jeolla Province at 34.8 degrees Celsius. Other high temperatures included 34.7 degrees in Hwasun, Gwangju, South Jeolla; 34 degrees in Chunjangdae, Seocheon, South Chungcheong; 33.3 degrees in Ganeum, Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province; and 32.3 degrees in Gonggeun, Hoengseong, Gangwon Province.

Although the heatwave has somewhat subsided, the number of people suffering from heat-related illnesses continues to rise. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 203 new cases of heat-related illness were reported on August 8, bringing the total number of cases this year to 3,090. The death toll increased by three, reaching a total of 26.

On the 29th, when a heat wave warning was issued for the Seoul area, heat haze was rising above the scorching hot asphalt on Yeouidaero in Seoul. This is the second time a heat wave warning has been issued in Seoul this summer, 18 days after July 11. A heat wave warning is issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature is expected to remain above 35 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days. July 29, 2026. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

Although the rainfall helped lessen the heatwave, its effect was minimal in drought-affected regions. In Gujwa-eup, Jeju City, which is the largest carrot-producing area in Korea, farmers are struggling due to the ongoing drought. While most farms sowed carrot seeds in line with the rainfall forecast for the weekend, as of 1 p.m. on this day, precipitation in Gujwa-eup amounted to only 4.5 to 7 millimeters.

Soil moisture levels also remained at ‘insufficient’ status. Although light rain fell in the Woljeong-ri area, farmers operated sprinklers to supply water to their fields. In Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, rain fell as well, but it was concentrated in the northern and east coastal areas and did little to relieve drought conditions in the southern regions.

The water level at Bohyeonsan Dam in Yeongcheon is at 15.9 percent, the lowest among the nation’s 19 multi-purpose dams. Unmun Dam in Cheongdo is the only one among the nation’s 12 water supply dams where the drought ‘severe’ stage is still in effect.

The reservoir level in North Jeolla Province stands at 38.5 percent, significantly lower than the average of 64.7 percent. Okjeong Lake in Imsil, which is located in the upper reaches of the Seomjin River, has dried up so much that the ground is cracked, and nearby farmers are struggling to secure agricultural water. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that most regions nationwide will continue to see daytime temperatures rise to around 35 degrees Celsius for the time being.

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