Southeast Korea sizzles as heat hotspot spreads beyond 'Daefrica'

A pigeon sips rain pool while mercury hits well above 30 degress across Korea AJP Han Jun-gu — A pigeon drinks from a rain puddle as temperatures climb well above 30 degrees Celsius across much of South Korea amid an intensifying heat wave. AJP Han Jun-gu.

SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) -South Korea's notorious summer heat is no longer confined to "Daefrica," the nickname long used for the sweltering city of Daegu, as extreme temperatures spread across much of neighboring North Gyeongsang Province in what meteorologists describe as a broader and more persistent heat wave.

The Korea Meteorological Administration on Sunday expanded its highest-level extreme heat emergency warning to additional areas including Gyeongsan and Cheongdo, joining Gyeongju and Pohang, where the alert had already been in effect.

The warning is issued when the maximum apparent temperature remains above 35 degrees Celsius for at least two days and is expected to exceed 38 degrees, or when actual daytime highs are forecast to reach 39 degrees or higher.

Morning temperatures had already climbed above 30 degrees by 10 a.m., reaching 33.7 degrees in Gyeongju, 33.2 degrees in Pohang, 32.6 degrees in Gumi and 32.4 degrees in Daegu.

Meteorologists said this summer's heat differs from previous years because the most intense temperatures are no longer concentrated in Daegu, historically dubbed "Daefrica" for its Africa-like summer heat, but are spreading across inland and eastern coastal cities throughout North Gyeongsang Province.

The afternoon mercury climbed above 33 degrees Celsius across much of South Korea as a relentless heat wave intensified AJP Han Jun-gu — The afternoon mercury climbed above 33 degrees Celsius across much of South Korea as a relentless heat wave intensified. AJP Han Jun-gu

Historical records underscore the shift. While Uiseong holds the region's all-time high of 40.4 degrees Celsius, nearby Yeongdeok (39.9), Gyeongju (39.8) and Pohang (39.4) have also approached the 40-degree mark. Automatic weather stations have recorded even higher unofficial readings, including 41 degrees in Yeongcheon's Sinnyeong district and 40.6 degrees in Hayang, Gyeongsan.

The weather agency introduced the extreme heat emergency warning for the first time this year, reflecting what officials say is a growing trend of wider geographical coverage and longer-lasting heat waves rather than isolated urban hot spots.

"Recent heat waves are expanding in spatial extent and becoming more persistent," a Korea Meteorological Administration official said. "High-temperature conditions are becoming increasingly pronounced not only in Daegu but also across inland and eastern coastal areas of North Gyeongsang Province."

The relentless heat emptied city streets across Daegu, Gyeongju and Pohang during the weekend, while valleys, beaches and urban water parks drew crowds seeking relief. Farmers also rushed to cool livestock barns with water sprays, misting systems and large industrial fans as temperatures continued to rise.

Forecasters warned that strong sunshine would push temperatures even higher through the afternoon and urged residents to avoid prolonged outdoor activity, particularly agricultural work, during peak daytime hours.

Southeast Korea sizzles as heat hotspot spreads beyond 'Daefrica'

Related