The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued its highest-level heat wave emergency warning for the greater Seoul metropolitan area on Tuesday, signaling what the agency described as exceptionally dangerous temperature conditions.
The alert, part of a new system introduced this year, is the most severe warning the agency can issue for extreme heat. According to a statement from the KMA, the “Heat Wave Emergency Warning” is activated when conditions pose a sharply increased risk of serious heat-related illness or death, even for healthy individuals.
The warning specifically applies to periods when the daily high apparent temperature—a measure that combines humidity with air temperature to reflect how hot it feels—is forecast to reach or exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for three or more consecutive days.
This issuance marks the first time the emergency-level warning has been used since the system’s implementation. The KMA established the new tiered alert structure to better inform the public about the severity and potential health impacts of sustained, intense heat waves. The system includes lower-level advisories and warnings before escalating to the emergency designation.
Government agencies and local authorities in the affected regions have been placed on high alert. Public announcements advise residents to take precautions, such as refraining from outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, ensuring adequate hydration, and checking on vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
The KMA is the official government body in South Korea responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and issuing public safety warnings related to meteorological events. The agency has stated it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions evolve.
