Heat Wave Advisory Maintenance
Overview
Heat wave advisory maintenance refers to a state where a heat wave advisory issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) remains in effect without being lifted for a certain period. Beyond a mere meteorological phenomenon, it has widespread impacts on public health, social infrastructure, and economic activities, requiring particularly the protection of vulnerable groups and systematic responses. A heat wave advisory is generally issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature is expected to reach 33°C or higher for two or more consecutive days. The longer the maintenance period, the higher the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Main Content
Issuance Criteria and Procedures
A heat wave advisory is issued by the KMA when the daily maximum apparent temperature is forecast to be 33°C or higher for two or more consecutive days in a specific region. The apparent temperature is calculated by comprehensively considering temperature, humidity, and wind speed, reflecting the actual perceived heat. If meteorological conditions do not ease after issuance, the 'maintenance' state continues, which is extended based on the KMA's forecasts and monitoring. The maintenance period typically lasts from a few days to over two weeks; in the summer of 2024, some regions reported heat wave advisories maintained for more than 20 days.
Social Impacts
Heat wave advisory maintenance causes severe impacts in several aspects. First, in terms of health, the number of heat-related illness cases surges. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), when a heat wave advisory persists for more than three days, emergency room visits increase by over 40% compared to normal times. The elderly, children, individuals with chronic diseases, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable. Second, electricity demand spikes sharply as the use of cooling devices surges, straining the power grid. In August 2024, due to heat wave advisory maintenance, peak electricity demand exceeded 100 GW, raising concerns about blackouts. Third, agriculture and livestock farming also suffer damage, including livestock deaths, crop withering, and reduced yields, which can lead to rising food prices. Fourth, transportation and logistics systems are affected, causing road asphalt deformation, railway track distortion, and delays in aircraft takeoffs and landings.
Response Measures
When a heat wave advisory is maintained, the government and local authorities implement various response measures. Key actions include expanding the operation of cooling shelters, conducting home health visits for vulnerable groups, providing cooling cost support, and recommending adjustments to outdoor work hours. The KMA provides real-time apparent temperature information and risk forecasts, while recommended public actions emphasize adequate hydration, avoiding outdoor activities, wearing loose and light-colored clothing, and using cooling devices appropriately. Additionally, action guidelines for each heat wave warning level are disseminated via smartphone apps and disaster text messages.
Economic Costs
The economic losses from heat wave advisory maintenance are substantial. When combining productivity losses, increased medical costs, higher electricity consumption, and agricultural damage, the total is estimated to reach trillions of Korean won annually. According to a 2024 Bank of Korea report, if a heat wave persists for more than 10 days, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could decrease by 0.3–0.5%. Furthermore, increased electricity use for cooling raises greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change in a vicious cycle.
Latest Trends
In the summers of 2024 and 2025, record-breaking heat waves occurred globally, leading to historically long periods of heat wave advisory maintenance. In July–August 2024, major cities in South Korea such as Seoul, Daegu, and Gwangju experienced heat wave advisories maintained for an average of over 15 days, with some areas seeing continuous maintenance for 25 days. In response, the KMA is reorganizing the heat wave warning system to further refine apparent temperature criteria and improve forecast accuracy. Additionally, starting in 2025, some local governments have introduced ordinances designating 'heat wave vulnerable hours' from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., legally restricting outdoor activities during this period. Internationally, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommends 'heat wave action plans' to countries, with key policies emerging such as creating green spaces to mitigate urban heat island effects, using high-reflectivity building materials, and expanding cooling facilities. Notably, AI-based heat wave prediction models have been developed, with technology capable of forecasting heat wave occurrence with over 90% accuracy three to seven days in advance, now approaching commercialization.
Related Topics
- [[Heat-related illness]]
- [[Climate change]]
- [[Disaster text message]]
- [[Cooling shelter]]
- [[Heatstroke]]
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