![Visitors cool off at the water park in Jamsil Han River Park in Seoul on Sunday as the heat wave continues through the weekend. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/08/09/rcv.YNA.20260809.PYH2026080903690001300_P1.jpg)
The traditional solar term "Ipchu," which marks the start of autumn, passed on Aug. 7, but the so-called "Ipchu magic" — the expected break in summer heat — has yet to arrive. Two days into the calendar's autumn, most of the country will still swelter through a heat wave and tropical nights on Monday, with daytime highs reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius and the apparent temperature climbing to around 33 degrees.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast Monday's morning lows at 21 to 26 degrees and afternoon highs at 27 to 34 degrees — still above the seasonal average of 21 to 25 degrees in the morning and 28 to 32 degrees in the afternoon.
Heat wave advisories remain in effect across most of the country, and the scorching conditions are expected to persist for now. Authorities warned the public to guard against heat-related illness, as the apparent temperature is forecast to reach around 33 degrees in many areas.
By region, Jeonju and Gwangju are expected to reach 34 degrees, while Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, Cheongju, Daejeon, Sejong and Changwon are forecast at 33 degrees. Daegu and Busan will see highs of 32 degrees, and Jeju will reach 31 degrees.
Some areas will see rain. Showers are forecast from Monday morning through the afternoon along the eastern coasts of Gangwon Province and North Gyeongsang Province, the southern coasts of Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province, and on Jeju Island.
Ulsan and the eastern coast and northeastern highlands of North Gyeongsang Province can expect 20 to 60 millimeters of rain. The southern coast of Busan and South Gyeongsang Province, the central and eastern inland areas of South Gyeongsang Province, and the southern eastern coast and highlands of Gangwon Province are forecast to receive 5 to 40 millimeters. The central and northern eastern coast and highlands of Gangwon Province will see 5 to 20 millimeters, and Jeju Island 5 to 10 millimeters.
Wave heights are forecast at 1.0 to 3.5 meters in coastal East Sea waters, 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the West Sea and 0.5 to 2.5 meters in the South Sea. Offshore, swells are expected to reach 1.5 to 3.5 meters in the East Sea and 1.0 to 4.0 meters in the West Sea.
Monday's forecast highs and lows by city: Seoul 25–33 degrees, Incheon 25–33, Chuncheon 22–32, Gangneung 22–28, Cheongju 25–33, Daejeon 24–33, Jeonju 25–34, Gwangju 26–34, Daegu 25–32, Busan 26–32, Ulsan 24–30, Changwon 26–33 and Jeju 26–31.
kacew@heraldcorp.com
