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Haze rises from the road near the Yeouido Transfer Center in Seoul on July 12, as heat wave warnings and advisories are issued across most parts of the country. / Photo by Reporter Lee Byung-hwa

The cities of Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province became the first locations nationwide to be placed under a severe heat wave warning.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) on July 12, the severe heat wave warning was announced for Gyeongsan and Pohang at 10:00 a.m. and took effect at 11:00 a.m. This premium alert is issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to reach 38°C or higher, or the daily maximum actual temperature is forecast to hit 39°C or higher for at least one day, following two consecutive days of perceived temperatures at 35°C or above. It stands as the highest level of heat advisory above the standard heat wave warning and was introduced on June 1.

The previous day, temperatures soared to 39.9°C in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, and 37.9°C in Jungbang-dong. Gigye-myeon in Pohang also recorded 37.2°C. Maximum temperatures in both cities were forecast to hover around 39°C again the following day. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency estimates that when the perceived temperature reaches the severe warning threshold of 38°C, the overall risk of mortality increases by 1.16 times compared to normal conditions, while the risk of death from cardiovascular disease rises by 1.14 times.

The KMA forecast that rain falling mainly in the central and western regions from the morning of July 14 through the afternoon of July 15 will bring temperatures down slightly. However, high humidity levels mean the muggy heat will persist, and eastern regions, including North Gyeongsang Province, may see little relief due to lower expected rainfall.

                                                                                                           Kim Tae-hoon