The South Korean government issued its first severe heat wave alerts in Gyeongsan and Pohang on July 12 [5].

These warnings aim to prevent heatstroke and dehydration caused by extreme high temperatures and humidity. The new classification system allows the Korea Meteorological Administration to communicate the level of danger more precisely as summer temperatures rise.

Under the current system, a heat wave advisory is issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius [1] for two consecutive days. A heat wave warning is triggered when the perceived temperature is expected to remain at or above 35 degrees Celsius [2] for at least two days.

For the most extreme conditions, the government utilizes the severe heat wave alert. This is issued when the perceived temperature is expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius [3], or the actual maximum temperature is expected to hit 39 degrees Celsius [4].

"Severe heat wave alerts were issued for the first time in Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province," a YTN anchor said.

The urgency of these warnings was highlighted in Gyeongsan, where the maximum temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius [6]. This temperature exceeded the threshold for the severe alert, prompting immediate public health warnings in the region.

"Heat wave advisories are issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to be 33 degrees or higher for more than two days," the anchor said.

"Heat wave warnings are issued when the perceived temperature persists above 35 degrees for more than two days," the anchor said.

“Severe heat wave alerts were issued for the first time in Gyeongsan and Pohang”

The introduction and immediate activation of the 'severe heat wave alert' tier indicates that South Korea is adapting its public safety infrastructure to handle more extreme temperature peaks. By distinguishing between standard warnings and severe alerts, the government can prioritize resources and emergency responses for regions experiencing life-threatening heat, such as the 40-degree Celsius peak seen in Gyeongsan.