Visitors cool off in a stream at Chisan Valley in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, on Saturday, as heat wave advisories were in effect across most of the country. [Yonhap]
Visitors cool off in a stream at Chisan Valley in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, on Saturday, as heat wave advisories were in effect across most of the country. [Yonhap]

Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province came under an "extreme heat major alert" as of 10 a.m. Sunday.

The extreme heat major alert is issued when an area that has already seen a daily maximum apparent temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher for at least two consecutive days is forecast to experience a daily maximum apparent temperature of 38 C or above — or a daily maximum temperature of 39 C or above — for at least one more day.

The alert level was introduced to warn of "extreme heat" that a standard heat wave warning cannot adequately convey, and has been in operation since June 1. Sunday's issuance marks the first time it has been triggered.

Heat-related illness is considered highly likely even for healthy individuals when temperatures reach the threshold for a major alert.

When the alert is issued, people are advised to stop outdoor activities immediately, move to a designated cooling shelter or shaded area, drink water and rest.

Meanwhile, the current heat wave is expected to continue through Monday.

The Korea Meteorological Administration said showers are forecast for western regions starting Tuesday, but the rain is expected to be too brief to break the heat.


yeonjoo7@heraldcorp.com