Heat Wave Warning
Overview
A heat wave warning is a meteorological special advisory issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) to protect the health and safety of the public when the daily maximum perceived temperature or daily maximum temperature is expected to persist above a certain threshold. Beyond a simple weather forecast, it is an official warning system that prompts the government and local authorities to activate emergency response systems and encourages citizens to take proactive action. Heat waves can cause heat-related illnesses (such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion), be fatal to vulnerable groups (the elderly, infants, and those with chronic diseases), and have widespread impacts on society, including agriculture, livestock farming, and electricity supply.
Main Content
Issuance Criteria
Heat wave warnings are issued based on the following criteria according to KMA regulations (as of 2024):
- Heat Wave Advisory: When the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to be 33°C or higher for two or more consecutive days.
- Heat Wave Warning: When the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to be 35°C or higher for two or more consecutive days.
- The perceived temperature is an index that comprehensively considers temperature and humidity, reflecting the heat actually felt by people. Recently, criteria have been trending toward tightening due to climate change.
Issuance Procedure and Dissemination
The KMA analyzes observational data from approximately 230 locations nationwide and numerical forecast models to detect the possibility of heat waves in advance. Warnings are issued by region (at the city/province level) and disseminated through the following channels:
- Emergency Disaster Text Messages: Sent immediately to mobile phones.
- Broadcasting and Internet: TV subtitles, radio, KMA website, and mobile apps.
- Local Government Disaster Notifications: Village broadcasts, electronic displays, and social media.
Response System
When a heat wave warning is issued, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and local governments take the following actions:
- Operation of Cooling Shelters: Open senior citizen centers, community service centers, and welfare facilities, and provide cooling cost support.
- Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Conduct safety checks and provide water and shade for elderly individuals living alone, homeless people, and outdoor workers (construction, delivery, agriculture).
- Electricity Supply Management: Operate emergency generators and adjust demand in preparation for a surge in electricity usage.
- Prevention of Agricultural and Livestock Damage: Support spraying and ventilation facilities to prevent livestock mortality, and provide guidance on crop management.
Health Impacts and Prevention Tips
Heat waves cause heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat syncope. In particular, heatstroke paralyzes the body's thermoregulatory center, causing high fever above 40°C and impaired consciousness, and can be fatal. Key prevention tips are as follows:
- Drink Water Frequently: Consume fluids regularly before feeling thirsty.
- Maintain a Cool Environment: Use fans and air conditioners, and block sunlight.
- Avoid Outdoor Activities: Refrain from going out between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear light, bright-colored clothing, and use hats and parasols.
- Check on Others: Check on the well-being of elderly neighbors living alone.
Latest Trends
Changes and Trends in 2024–2025
In recent years, heat waves have become more frequent and intense. The summer of 2024 was recorded as the hottest year globally, and South Korea was no exception. In August 2024, Seoul recorded 39.6°C, breaking its all-time high temperature record, and the number of days with heat wave warnings issued more than doubled compared to the average year. This trend is expected to continue into 2025.
Link Between Climate Change and Heat Waves
Experts warn that due to global warming, heat waves have become the "new normal." According to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, if greenhouse gas emissions remain at current levels, the frequency of heat waves is predicted to increase by 3 to 5 times by 2050. Accordingly, the KMA is considering further subdividing heat wave warning criteria and introducing the concept of "extreme heat waves" starting in 2025.
Advances in Technology and Policy
- AI-Based Prediction System: An AI-powered early heat wave warning system has been introduced, predicting the likelihood of heat waves 3 to 7 days in advance with high accuracy. For example, since 2024, the KMA has been piloting customized warnings reflecting local microclimates using deep learning models.
- Smart Cooling Shelters: Cooling shelters incorporating IoT technology have expanded, enabling real-time temperature and humidity monitoring and automatic cooling control.
- Urban Heat Island Mitigation Policies: Major cities like Seoul are investing in infrastructure improvements such as rooftop greening, heat-reflective paint, green curtains, and wind corridor creation.
- Enhanced Protection for Vulnerable Groups: Starting in 2025, an "AI Care Service" that automatically connects welfare calls to elderly individuals living alone when a heat wave warning is issued is set to expand nationwide.
International Cooperation
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is developing "Joint Guidelines for Heat Wave Warnings" to promote information sharing and standardization of responses among countries. In particular, the Asia-Pacific region is vulnerable to the combined effects of monsoons and heat waves, and South Korea is collaborating with Japan, China, and India to advance early warning systems.
Related Topics
- [[Climate Change]]
- [[Heat-Related Illness]]
- [[Disaster Text Message]]
- [[Cooling Shelter]]
- [[Urban Heat Island]]
- [[Meteorological Special Advisory]]
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