South Korea is bracing for one of its hottest days on record, with temperatures in the capital, Seoul, forecast to reach 39 degrees Celsius on Thursday as a prolonged heatwave continues to grip the country.
The extreme weather has already been blamed for more than 20 deaths, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to order an intensified nationwide response to protect lives and vulnerable communities.
Speaking at a heatwave response meeting on Thursday, Lee described the conditions as unprecedented and directed ministries and local governments to mobilise all available personnel and resources until temperatures subside.
“Extreme heat on a scale we have never experienced is continuing day after day. Heatwave conditions once seen only in foreign news reports have now become our reality,” the president said.
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The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the forecast temperature would bring Seoul close to its record high of 39.6 degrees Celsius, set during the country’s historic heatwave in August 2018.
The capital also endured another sweltering night, with temperatures in some areas remaining close to 30 degrees Celsius, offering little relief to residents.
Local media reported that many people sought shelter in shopping centres, public facilities and other air-conditioned spaces, while the Korea Baseball Organisation cancelled all 10 scheduled games on Wednesday and Thursday after several spectators reportedly collapsed because of the intense heat.
Meteorologists said Typhoon Dolphin, although posing no direct threat to South Korea, may be contributing to the severe temperatures by strengthening hot, dry winds across the country’s western regions, including Seoul.
