An intense heatwave is sweeping most of South Korea with daytime air temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius. This extreme weather condition is raising concerns about health risks to the local population.
According to data from the Korea Meteorological Administration cited by news agency Yonhap, heavy rainfall with intensity reaching up to 100 millimetres is projected to lash the eastern coastal areas and mountains in Gangwon Province. Meanwhile, the Seoul area and central regions of South Korea are expected to receive rainfall of up to 40 millimetres.
Nevertheless, the meteorological authorities warn that the temperature drop caused by rain will only be temporary. After rainfall subsides, a combination of high temperatures and increased humidity levels will return, creating oppressive conditions once again.
The impact of the heatwave has forced the government to take adjustment measures, including reducing and temporarily suspending driving tests to protect the public from the risk of heat-related illness due to excessive heat exposure. Government data shows a drastic increase in heat-related illness cases, with an average of 638 health disorders reported each August period, nearly tripling compared with the 2011-2015 average period which recorded 215 cases.
A total of 1,299 people experienced heat-related health disorders during that period, with 12 people reported dead. Weather forecasts indicate the heatwave will continue until the end of August, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 31 to 35 degrees Celsius across the country.
