Severe Heat Wave Warning
Overview
A Severe Heat Wave Warning is the highest level among heat wave warnings issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). It is issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature is expected to be 41°C or higher for three consecutive days or more. This warning alerts the public to extreme heat wave situations that pose a serious threat to health and safety, and prompts the government and local authorities to activate emergency response systems. The Severe Heat Wave Warning was newly established in 2024 when the KMA reorganized the heat wave warning system, introduced in response to the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves due to climate change.
Main Content
Issuance Criteria and Procedures
The Severe Heat Wave Warning is issued by the KMA for each of the 229 cities, counties, and districts nationwide. The issuance criteria are as follows:
- When the daily maximum apparent temperature is expected to be 41°C or higher for three consecutive days or more
- Or when the daily maximum apparent temperature is expected to be 43°C or higher for at least one day
The apparent temperature is an index that comprehensively considers temperature and humidity, reflecting the heat actually felt by people. Before issuance, the KMA conducts advance forecasts in consultation with relevant ministries, and after issuance, a 24-hour situation room is operated.
Warning Level System
Heat wave warnings consist of four levels:
1. Attention (daily maximum apparent temperature 33°C or higher for at least 1 day)
2. Caution (daily maximum apparent temperature 35°C or higher for at least 2 days)
3. Warning (daily maximum apparent temperature 38°C or higher for at least 2 days)
4. Severe Warning (daily maximum apparent temperature 41°C or higher for at least 3 days)
The Severe Warning level was newly established in 2024, introduced based on the judgment that the existing Warning level alone was insufficient for response.
Response Measures
When a Severe Heat Wave Warning is issued, the government and local authorities take the following measures:
- Activation of emergency response system: 24-hour operation of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and local emergency response teams
- Restriction of outdoor activities: Recommendation to suspend outdoor work, recommendation to shorten school hours or close schools
- Expanded operation of cooling shelters: Extended opening hours of air-conditioned facilities such as public buildings, senior citizen centers, and subway stations
- Protection of vulnerable groups: Enhanced home health management for the elderly, children, and those with chronic diseases
- Emergency water supply support: Provision of water trucks to areas with water supply difficulties
- Power supply and demand management: Operation of emergency generators and demand adjustment in preparation for a surge in electricity usage
Socioeconomic Impacts
Severe Heat Wave Warnings have widespread impacts across society:
- Health damage: Surge in heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. As of 2024, the number of years with over 100 annual deaths from heat waves is on the rise.
- Agricultural damage: Decreased agricultural and fishery production due to livestock deaths, crop withering, and shellfish mortality.
- Infrastructure impacts: Melting of road asphalt, deformation of railway tracks, and power outages due to overloaded electricity supply.
- Economic losses: Annual economic losses amounting to trillions of won due to reduced productivity, increased medical costs, and contraction of the tourism industry.
Latest Trends
2024 and 2025 were years of record-breaking heat waves globally, and South Korea was no exception. In August 2024, Seoul recorded 39.6°C, breaking the highest temperature in 118 years, and in July-August of the same year, 30 areas nationwide had Severe Heat Wave Warnings issued for 15 days or more.
The KMA introduced an AI-based ultra-short-term heat wave prediction system as part of its 2025 heat wave countermeasures. This system analyzes satellite data, ground observation networks, and climate models in real time to predict the possibility of issuing a Severe Heat Wave Warning up to six hours in advance. Additionally, projects to expand smart green infrastructure (green roofs, green walls, permeable pavements) are being actively pursued to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Internationally, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced a 'Global Heat Wave Warning System' in March 2025, establishing plans for sharing heat wave data and joint responses among countries. South Korea is participating in this system to strengthen heat wave monitoring in the East Asia region.
Related Topics
- [[Heat-related illness]]
- [[Climate change]]
- [[Weather warning]]
- [[Urban heat island]]
- [[Disaster response system]]
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