Seoul: The highest-level heat wave warning was issued for Seoul for the first time, as continued scorching heat is expected to push the capital's daytime temperature to 38°C, South Korea's meteorological agency issued on Tuesday. Consequently, 11 wards in the capital, including Gangnam, Songpa, Gangseo, and Gwanak, came under the influence of the warning, which was first introduced to the nation's heat wave advisory system on June 1.
According to Qatar News Agency, a serious heat wave warning is issued when the highest perceived temperature reaches 38°C or higher, or the maximum daily temperature reaches 39°C or higher, in an area where the highest perceived temperature is 35°C or higher for two or more consecutive days. As the heat wave has intensified, 18 additional heat-related illness cases were reported in Seoul on Monday, government data showed, bringing the city's cumulative total since May 15 to 185, including two deaths.
The Seoul metropolitan government stated it is closely monitoring the rise in heat-related illnesses and has launched an all-out response, including watering roads and protecting vulnerable groups, like residents living in cramped housing.