A scorching heat wave gripped South Korea on Saturday, July 11, with temperatures in the southeast reaching as high as 39.9 C.
In Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, the mercury hit 39.9 C at 2:23 p.m. before easing to 38.3 C at 2:55 p.m. Nearby areas recorded highs of 38.2 C in Daegu, 37.5 C in Gyeongju and 36.8 C in Yangsan before 2 p.m. Other cities saw 34.4 C in Daejeon, 34.3 C in Gwangju, 33 C in Busan and 32.4 C in Seoul.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said the heat wave is expected to continue. Combined with high humidity, apparent temperatures could reach 33 C in most parts of the country and over 35 C in the capital, Chungcheong and southern areas.
Heat wave alerts were issued for 209 of the country's 235 land weather advisory zones. Of these, 130 zones were under advisory and 79 under warnings. Tropical night advisories were also in effect for several locations, including Nonsan, Jeongeup and Gyeongsan.