Kim Mun-yeol, 80, drinks water as cardboard she had collected from the streets is weighed for sale at a junkyard in Yongsan, Seoul, on Aug. 4, 2026, in the midst of a severe heat wave warning. (Choi Hyeon-su/Hankyoreh)
A change in wind direction is bringing the worst of South Korea’s heat wave back to the country’s western regions. After westerly winds fueled intense heat across southeastern Korea last week, easterly winds are now pushing temperatures higher in the Seoul metropolitan area and the Chungcheong and Jeolla regions.Forecasters say extreme heat will persist on Wednesday, particularly across the capital region and Jeolla.The Korea Meteorological Administration said Wednesday that heat wave advisories remain in effect across most of the country, with the maximum heat index expected to reach around 35°C (95°F) in many areas.The state weather agency has issued its highest-level severe heat wave warning for Seoul, Ganghwa, northern Incheon and parts of Gyeonggi Province, including Ansan, Gimpo, Goyang, Osan, Pyeongtaek, Hanam, Anseong, Paju, Yongin and Yeoju. The warning also covers Jeonju in North Jeolla Province and parts of South Jeolla Province, including eastern Gwangju, Jangseong, Gwangyang, Suncheon and Gokseong.In these areas, daytime highs are expected to approach 39°C (102°F), while the perceived temperature could exceed 38°C (100°F) due to high humidity. Lower-level heat wave warnings and advisories remain in place across most other parts of the country.Authorities are urging residents in areas under the severe heat wave warning to avoid or postpone outdoor activities and work unless absolutely necessary. People are advised to seek air-conditioned spaces or designated cooling shelters and stay well hydrated.Daytime temperatures on Wednesday are forecast to range from 30°C to 38°C (86°F to 100°F), well above the seasonal average of 29°C to 33°C (84°F to 91°F).High temperatures are expected to peak at 38°C (100°F) in Seoul, Jeonju, and Gwangju, while Chuncheon and Daejeon will reach 37°C (99°F). Incheon, Cheongju, and Daegu are forecast to see highs of 36°C (97°F), followed by Busan at 34°C (93°F), Jeju at 33°C (91°F) and Gangneung at 31°C (88°F).The oppressive heat is expected to continue overnight, with tropical nights forecast across much of the country. Overnight lows are expected to remain above 25°C (77°F) in many areas, offering little relief from the daytime heat.Scattered showers are also in the forecast. South Jeolla’s coastal areas may see showers through the morning, while the west coast of South Chungcheong and North Jeolla, along with Gwangju and South Jeolla, could receive showers from the afternoon into the evening. Seoul, Incheon and southwestern Gyeonggi Province are also expected to see brief showers late in the day.Rainfall is expected to remain relatively light, with 5 to 40 mm (0.2 to 1.6 inches) forecast for Gwangju and South Jeolla, 5 to 30 mm (0.2 to 1.2 inches) along the west coast of North Jeolla, and 5 to 20 mm (0.2 to 0.8 inches) in Seoul, Incheon, southwestern Gyeonggi Province, and the South Chungcheong coast. Jeju is also expected to receive 5 to 20 mm (0.2 to 0.8 inches) of rain through Wednesday morning.While showers may temporarily lower temperatures, forecasters say the relief will be short-lived. Once the rain passes, temperatures are expected to climb again as humidity remains high, prolonging the sweltering conditions.Air quality is forecast to remain good to moderate nationwide.By Jang Soo-kyung, staff reporterPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
