The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued the first-ever heat wave severe warning for Pohang and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province on Sunday [1].
This activation marks the first time the agency has used the newly created top-level alert system to combat climate-driven extreme heat. The warning is designed to trigger emergency preparations for heat-related disasters as temperatures climb above typical seasonal norms.
The KMA established the heat wave severe warning system in June of this year [2]. The agency activated the alert for the two cities after forecasting temperatures of 37 °C [1].
Officials said the maximum perceived temperature in the warning areas is expected to reach 38 °C or higher [1]. Furthermore, the KMA said that the maximum air temperature could surge to 39 °C or higher [1].
These figures exceed the average human body temperature, increasing the risk of heatstroke and other medical emergencies. The KMA said the severe warning is necessary to ensure local governments and citizens take immediate precautions to mitigate the impact of the extreme heat [1, 3].
Local authorities in Pohang and Gyeongsan are now implementing emergency protocols to protect vulnerable populations. The KMA continues to monitor the region as the heat wave persists across the province [1, 3].
“The KMA established the heat wave severe warning system in June of this year.”
The introduction and immediate activation of a 'severe' tier of heat warnings suggests that South Korea's previous alert systems were insufficient for the increasing intensity of summer heat waves. By creating a specific category for temperatures that exceed human body temperature and high heat indices, the KMA is shifting toward a disaster-management model that treats extreme heat as an acute emergency rather than a seasonal inconvenience.
