South Korea issues first-ever heat wave emergency warning as temperatures approach 40C

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first-ever "heat wave emergency warning" on Sunday morning as extreme temperatures overwhelmed southern regions and drove a rapid increase in hospital admissions. The highest-level alert, activated at 10 a.m. on July 12, covers the cities of Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province, marking an unprecedented escalation in the country's response to extreme weather.

The emergency measure was triggered after temperatures reached 39.9 degrees Celsius in the Hayang-eup area of Gyeongsan and 37.2 degrees Celsius in Pohang's Gigye-myeon on Saturday. Forecasts predict the severe heat will persist, with temperatures expected to remain near 39 degrees Celsius throughout Sunday in the affected areas.

The prolonged heat is already presenting a significant public health crisis. Medical facilities have reported a rapid influx of patients seeking emergency care, with heat-related illnesses recorded at nearly five times the rate of the previous day. Authorities are urging residents to limit outdoor activities as the healthcare system manages the sudden surge in severe exposure cases.

Meteorologists attribute the extreme conditions to a combination of atmospheric pressures currently stationed over the peninsula. The severe heat is the result of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High pressure systems converging, exacerbated by hot southerly foehn winds sweeping across southern North Gyeongsang Province.

The activation of the highest-tier warning underscores a growing national health crisis as extreme temperature events become more severe. The unprecedented conditions necessitate urgent public adherence to safety protocols and a robust governmental response to mitigate further human suffering and prevent potential fatalities as the heatwave continues.