Heat Wave Warning Maintenance
Overview
Heat wave warning maintenance refers to the state in which a heat wave warning issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) persists for a specific period. It takes effect when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to remain at 35°C or higher for two or more consecutive days. During the period of heat wave warning maintenance, special attention and response are required in various sectors, including public health, agriculture, energy supply, and transportation. This document comprehensively covers the criteria, procedures, social impacts, and response measures for maintaining a heat wave warning.
Main Content
Criteria for Issuing and Maintaining a Heat Wave Warning
A heat wave warning is the highest level among the heat wave advisories issued by the KMA. It is issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to remain at 35°C or higher for two or more consecutive days. The maintenance of a heat wave warning continues as long as these conditions are met. The KMA updates the advisories daily at 5:40 AM and 5:40 PM. The decision to maintain the warning is made by comprehensively assessing the actual observed perceived temperature and future forecasts. The perceived temperature is an index that considers both temperature and humidity; higher humidity increases the perceived temperature, thereby raising the risk of heat waves.
Social Impacts During the Period of Heat Wave Warning Maintenance
During the maintenance of a heat wave warning, the following social impacts occur:
- Health Damage: The incidence of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps surges, posing particular risks to the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, and outdoor workers. As of 2023, the annual number of deaths due to heat waves is reported to be over 100.
- Energy Supply: The surge in cooling demand pushes electricity usage to peak levels, increasing the risk of blackouts. In the summer of 2024, maximum electricity demand is expected to exceed 100 GW.
- Agricultural Damage: Drought and high temperatures impair crop growth and increase livestock mortality. Particularly, the quality of fruits and vegetables deteriorates, and harvest yields decrease.
- Transportation and Infrastructure: Issues such as asphalt deformation, railway track buckling, and restrictions on aircraft takeoffs and landings may occur.
Response Measures During Heat Wave Warning Maintenance
The government and local authorities implement the following measures during the period of heat wave warning maintenance:
- Operation of Cooling Shelters: Shelters equipped with cooling facilities, such as senior citizen centers, community service centers, and subway stations, are opened, and their operating hours are extended.
- Recommendation to Refrain from Outdoor Activities: Outdoor events, sports activities, and farm work are advised to be avoided, and mandatory suspension orders may be issued if necessary.
- Protection of Vulnerable Groups: For the elderly living alone, homeless individuals, and outdoor workers, measures such as checking on their well-being, distributing bottled water, and providing cooling supplies are implemented.
- Activation of Emergency Contact Networks: Cooperation systems with relevant agencies such as 119 emergency services, public health centers, and power companies are strengthened to prepare for emergencies.
Historical Cases of Heat Wave Warning Maintenance
- 2018 Heat Wave: The longest-ever heat wave warning in South Korea was maintained for 31 days, resulting in 48 deaths and over 4,500 heat-related illnesses.
- 2023 Heat Wave: From late July to mid-August, heat wave warnings were maintained nationwide, with tropical nights persisting even on Jeju Island.
- August 2024 Heat Wave: Seoul recorded 39.6°C, breaking the all-time highest temperature record, and the heat wave warning was maintained for over two weeks.
Latest Trends
Key changes related to heat wave warning maintenance as of 2024-2025 include:
- Increased Frequency of Heat Waves Due to Climate Change: The frequency and intensity of heat waves are rising due to global warming, and 2024 is likely to be recorded as the hottest year globally. In South Korea, the number of heat wave days (daily maximum temperature of 33°C or higher) has increased from an average of 10 days in the 1990s to over 20 days in the 2020s.
- Strengthened Perceived Temperature Criteria: Since 2024, the KMA has improved the method for calculating perceived temperature to more accurately reflect the impact of humidity and has strengthened the criteria for issuing heat wave warnings.
- Introduction of Smart Response Systems: AI and IoT-based heat wave prediction and monitoring systems have been introduced to issue warnings and determine maintenance based on real-time perceived temperature data.
- Improved Public Action Guidelines: The government has specified the actions the public should take during heat wave warning maintenance, emphasizing frequent water intake, avoiding going out, and using cooling devices appropriately.
- Tailored Support for Vulnerable Groups: Customized support programs for vulnerable groups such as the elderly living alone, people with disabilities, and low-income households have been expanded, including cooling cost subsidies, health monitoring, and regular check-ins.
Related Topics
- [[Heat Wave Warning]]
- [[Heat-Related Illness]]
- [[Climate Change]]
- [[Cooling Shelter]]
- [[Power Supply Crisis]]
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