Seoul is preparing for its first-ever “severe heatwave warning” this Tuesday, as South Korea continues to grapple with a deadly and record-breaking heatwave. The extreme weather, which has already set a national record, is shifting toward the capital, where temperatures are expected to reach 38C on Tuesday, followed by three consecutive days of 37C heat. This development follows a record-breaking Sunday in the south-eastern city of Yangsan, which recorded 42.5C—the highest temperature observed in 122 years of weather data.
During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Lee Jae Myung urged officials to implement necessary protections for citizens and to monitor power infrastructure as demand for air conditioning continues to rise. Emphasizing the need for systemic change, he noted that extreme weather is becoming the new normal and requires a fundamental overhaul of the national crisis system. Seoul authorities have already launched emergency initiatives to mitigate health risks, marking the first time the capital has utilized this specific severe heatwave warning system, which was established earlier this year.
To support the population, nurses are conducting welfare checks on approximately 63,000 residents, specifically targeting the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses. Meanwhile, the city is deploying a fleet of 200 trucks to spray water across nearly 2,000km of roads up to six times daily in the most affected districts. Pedestrians have been observed navigating the city through shaded areas or mist-spray zones to avoid direct sun exposure. Elsewhere, officials in North Gyeongsang province are flying drones equipped with loudspeakers to broadcast safety messages. The drones are also using thermal imaging cameras over areas crowded with people on summer holidays.
Outdoor workers remain particularly vulnerable to the heat. A construction worker in Seoul, identified as Kim, described the harsh conditions, noting that despite hourly 10-minute breaks, the lack of fans forces workers to sit in the shade, often resulting in skin irritation from sweat-soaked clothing. On Monday, Goryeong recorded the nation's highest temperature of 41.2C, while Seoul’s Guro district reached 39C.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) attributes the heatwave to overlapping high-pressure systems and intense, direct sunlight. In South Gyeongsang province, the “foehn phenomenon”—where wind becomes hotter and drier after crossing mountain ranges—has further intensified conditions. The KMA is also monitoring Typhoon Dolphin, which is currently moving west toward Okinawa. Another factor in the heatwave mix is Typhoon Dolphin, which has the potential to make conditions better or worse, depending on its path. Scientists have warned that such extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity due to human-induced climate change.
The south-eastern city of Yangsan reached an all-time national record of 42.5C on Sunday afternoon – the highest temperature measured in 122 years of weather observations – and now the heat is shifting westwards, approaching the densely populated capital of more than 9 million people, which is forecast to hit 38C on
The nation’s highest temperature on Monday was 41.2C in Goryeong. Multiple cities and regions topped 41C and Seoul reached 39C in the Guro district.
