Overview
- Yangsan recorded a national high of 42.5°C on Sunday, a temperature the Korea Meteorological Administration called the highest in 122 years of observations.
- The KMA expanded its new highest-level 'severe' heat warning to cover all of Seoul on Tuesday, urging suspension of nonessential outdoor work and use of cooling shelters.
- Health authorities reported about 2,221 heat-related illness cases since May 15 and said the death toll has risen to 19, with older people and outdoor workers most at risk.
- President Lee Jae Myung ordered the government to treat the situation as a national disaster, unlocked emergency funding and told officials to inspect power systems as electricity demand surges.
- Forecasters expect the heat to continue into next week and say Typhoon Dolphin’s uncertain track could either bring brief relief or raise humidity and worsen conditions, while local officials run water distribution and road-spraying to protect residents.