Serious heat warning issued for Seoul for 1st time

Seoul experienced its first ever serious heat warning on August 4, the Korea Meteorological Administration announcing the alert in the morning. The scorching temperatures were expected to soar to 38 degrees Celsius during the day. Initially covering the southeastern and southwestern parts of the capital, the warning expanded to 11 wards, including Gangnam, Songpa, Gangseo and Gwanak.

The serious heat wave warning is deployed when the highest perceived temperature hits 38 degrees Celsius or more, or if the daily maximum temperature reaches 39 degrees Celsius or above, with a perceived temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher for at least two consecutive days. Since May 15, the city has seen 185 heat-related illness cases reported, two of which were fatal.

The government reacted swiftly, implementing measures such as watering roads and setting up heat shelters at over 4,000 locations like community centers, senior citizen centers, and welfare centers. Citizens were urged to avoid outdoor activities, hydrate, rest in cool spaces, and look after their families' safety.