South Korea issues first-ever 'grave heat wave' warnings amidst scorching temperatures

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The public is advised to avoid outdoor activities, stay in the shade, and drink plenty of water as extreme heat grips.

South Korea issued its first-ever ‘grave heat wave’ warnings – the highest level under the country's new heat wave alert system – on 12 July 2026 for the southeastern cities of Gyeongsan and Pohang, after temperatures reached 39.9°C and 37.2°C respectively the previous day, according to local media reports.

The warnings mark the first activation of the highest-level alert since the country introduced a new heat warning system in June.

Under the new framework, a grave heat wave warning is issued when a daily high of 39°C or above is forecast in areas where the apparent temperature has remained at 35°C or higher for at least two consecutive days.

Authorities advise residents to avoid outdoor activities, stay in the shade, and drink plenty of water during periods covered by the warning.

Other parts of the country also experienced intense heat on Sunday. As reported, the eastern coastal city of Samcheok recorded a daytime high of 37.5°C, while temperatures in Seoul reached 35°C.

The hot weather is expected to persist, with daily temperatures forecast to range between 30°C and 37°C.

According to Yonhap News Agency, 99 people were sent to hospital emergency rooms nationwide for heat-related illness Saturday, nearly five times the 21 cases reported a day earlier.