South Korean authorities raised the heat wave disaster crisis level to severe on July 27, 2026, activating the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters as temperatures hit 39.2°C nationwide.
The extreme weather, driven by a double heat dome and tropical moisture, triggered severe heat warnings across multiple regions, including Yeongnam, Gwangju, and South Jeolla Province, after the monsoon season officially ended.
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Rising Heat-Related Illnesses and Fatalities
Daily heat-related illnesses surged to 72 patients on July 26, bringing the season's cumulative total to 1,399.
A 96-year-old farmer died from heat stroke while working in Kimje, North Jeolla Province.
In the Yeongnam region, peak temperatures reached 39.2°C in Daegu's Sinam district and 39.1°C in Gyeongju, where asphalt surface temperatures approached nearly 60°C.
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Government Response Measures
Authorities deployed a 37-person interagency task force in North Gyeongsang Province and appointed over 10,000 rice farmers as safety monitors to patrol and protect elderly agricultural workers.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety directed local governments to expand safety checks on vulnerable populations, including elderly residents living alone and outdoor workers, while extending cooling center operations during persistent tropical nights.
Public safety officials urged residents to halt unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and seek medical help if symptoms of heat illness occur.
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Weather forecasters warned that extreme temperatures up to 38°C will persist with high humidity and tropical nights, while Typhoon Dolphin near Guam remains a potential variable for upcoming weather patterns.
