Temperatures in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province reached approximately 39°C on Wednesday, prompting the Korea Meteorological Administration to expand a major heat-wave warning [1].
The extreme heat represents a critical public health risk as the metropolitan area faces a "complex disaster" involving simultaneous heat, heavy rain, and drought [1, 2].
Measurements taken at 3:30 p.m. local time showed that Hanam in Gyeonggi Province and Noeun in Seoul both reached 39.2°C [3]. By 4 p.m., temperatures in the Seoul districts of Guro, Gangseo, and Gangnam also approached 39°C [3].
Officials said the spike was due to a hot east wind crossing the mountain range, which intensified the heat over western Korea [1, 2]. A YTN anchor said the heat in the west of the country became extreme due to the influence of this wind.
In response to the rising temperatures, the Korea Meteorological Administration expanded the "major warning" for heat waves at 10 a.m. [1]. The expanded coverage now includes Gwangmyeong, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Gapyeong, Hwaseong, Yangpyeong, Cheongyang in Chungnam, and southern Incheon [1].
Reporter Ko Han-seok said the hot east wind crossing the mountains is currently heating up the capital region [2]. The meteorological agency continues to monitor the situation as the extreme heat persists across the broader metropolitan area [1, 3].
“Temperatures in Hanam and Noeun reached 39.2°C at 15:30”
The expansion of the 'major warning' indicates that the heat is not a localized spike but a systemic weather event affecting the entire Seoul capital area. The combination of extreme heat with drought and rain suggests a volatile climate pattern that may strain urban infrastructure and emergency services beyond standard summer protocols.
