A horse at LetsRun Park Seoul in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, cools off with a drink of water from a hose on Aug. 5, 2026, as the country continues to see sweltering temperatures. (Yonhap)
Most of South Korea will remain under heat advisories on Thursday, with daytime temperatures expected to reach between 30°C and 39°C (86°F and 102°F), extending the spell of dangerously hot weather. Authorities have issued the highest-level heat wave warning for Seoul, Incheon, most of Gyeonggi Province, and parts of South Jeolla Province, including Gwangyang.The Korea Meteorological Administration said Thursday that maximum heat index values in most parts of the country are expected to approach 35°C (95°F). Many areas are also forecast to experience tropical nights, with overnight temperatures remaining above 25°C (77°F), offering little relief from the daytime heat.High temperatures on Thursday are expected to range from 30°C to 39°C (86°F-102°F), well above the seasonal average of 29°C to 33°C (84°F to 91°F). Forecasters warned that the heat could become life-threatening in Seoul, Ganghwa, northern and southern Incheon, and parts of Gyeonggi Province — including Gwangmyeong, Ansan, Gimpo and Gapyeong — as well as Gwangju and Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province.Forecast highs for major cities include 39°C (102°F) in Seoul, 38°C (100°F) in Incheon and Jeonju, 37°C (99°F) in Chuncheon, Cheongju, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Daegu, 35°C (95°F) in Busan, 34°C (93°F) on Jeju Island, and a comparatively cooler 32°C (90°F) in Gangneung on the east coast.The weather agency cautioned that perceived temperatures may be even higher than official readings in places such as rice fields, farmlands, construction sites, and on paved roads. Outdoor workers are advised to take extra precautions, while young children, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are encouraged to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day whenever possible.Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue overnight, with tropical nights likely across much of the country for the time being. Authorities recommend using air conditioners or fans to keep indoor spaces cool and staying well hydrated before bedtime, while avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks.Some regions may also see scattered showers. Jeju Island is expected to receive around 5 mm (0.2 inches) of rain through the morning, while Daejeon, Sejong, South Chungcheong Province and northern North Jeolla Province could see 5 to 20 mm (0.2 to 0.8 inches) of precipitation through the late morning hours.Meanwhile, air quality is expected to remain good to moderate nationwide.By Jang Soo-kyung, staff reporterPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
