South Korea's Yeongnam region is experiencing a severe heat wave with daytime highs exceeding 35 °C in several major cities today [1].
This extreme weather coincides with Chobok, a traditional day for eating heat-beating foods, and threatens public health through a combination of intense sunshine and high humidity. The persistent conditions have forced authorities to issue heat-wave and tropical-night warnings across the region.
In Gyeongju, temperatures peaked between 37.2 °C [2] and 37.5 °C [1]. Daegu saw similar extremes, with recorded highs ranging from 35.8 °C [2] to 36 °C [1]. The heat has been particularly oppressive in the Dongseongno area of Daegu, where residents and visitors are struggling against the elements.
Local meteorologists describe the phenomenon as "gama-sot heat," or stew-pot heat, referring to the trapped, stifling air. The heat wave began last weekend and has shown no signs of easing. A persistent high-pressure system is blocking rain and allowing intense solar radiation to bake the landscape.
"The momentum of the heat wave that started last weekend is not breaking easily," said reporter Kim Geun-woo [1].
Beyond Daegu and Gyeongju, the scorching conditions have extended to Pohang and Gumi. The lack of precipitation has exacerbated the dryness and heat retention of the urban environments.
"The Yeongnam region, including Daegu, continues to experience stew-pot heat with almost no rain falling," said a YTN news anchor [1].
“The momentum of the heat wave that started last weekend is not breaking easily”
The convergence of a high-pressure system and the traditional Chobok period creates a significant public health risk in South Korea's southeast. The 'stew-pot' effect, where humidity and heat are trapped, increases the likelihood of heatstroke and puts additional strain on the electrical grid as cooling demands peak.
