South Korea issues first-ever highest-level heat alert amid extreme temperatures

Sunday 12 July 2026 - 09:00

By: Sahili Aya

South Korea issues first-ever highest-level heat alert amid extreme temperatures

South Korea has issued its highest-ever heat alert for the first time since introducing a new emergency warning system designed to address increasingly severe weather events linked to climate change.

The unprecedented alert was activated on Sunday for parts of the country's southeast, where soaring temperatures and dangerous heat index levels have prompted authorities to urge residents to avoid outdoor activities whenever possible.

First activation of new extreme heat warning

The Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced that the maximum-level heat alert took effect at 10:00 a.m. local time for the cities of Gyeongsan and Pohang, located in North Gyeongsang Province.

The warning represents the highest tier of South Korea's newly expanded heat alert system, introduced this year to better prepare for increasingly intense climate-related weather events.

Officials advised the public to suspend outdoor work, sporting activities and other non-essential outdoor movement while the alert remains in force.

Strict criteria trigger the highest warning

Under the new system, the top-level alert is issued when an area records a perceived temperature of at least 35°C for two consecutive days and forecasts indicate that the heat index will exceed 39°C for at least one day.

According to the KMA, the affected areas experienced apparent temperatures above 35°C on both Friday and Saturday, with heat index values expected to approach 38°C or higher on Sunday.

The agency confirmed that this marks the first time the highest warning level has been activated since the new framework was established.

Health risks extend beyond vulnerable groups

Meteorological officials warned that the extreme conditions pose serious health risks not only to older adults and vulnerable populations but also to otherwise healthy individuals.

The highest-level alert reflects weather conditions in which the likelihood of severe heat-related illnesses—including heatstroke—and heat-related fatalities increases substantially.

Authorities are encouraging residents to remain hydrated, stay in air-conditioned environments whenever possible and limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Climate trends point to longer and hotter summers

The activation of the new alert comes as South Korea experiences a noticeable increase in the frequency of extreme heat events.

According to KMA data, the country's average number of annual heatwave days has risen from approximately eight days during the 1970s to 19 days over the past five years.

South Korea defines a heatwave day as one in which the maximum daily temperature reaches at least 33°C, a threshold that has been exceeded with increasing regularity in recent years as global temperatures continue to rise.