Seoul, August 04 (QNA) - The highest-level heat wave warning was issued for Seoul for the first time, as continued scorching heat is expected to push the capital's daytime temperature to 38C, South Korea’s meteorological agency issued on Tuesday.
Consequently, 11 wards in the capital, including Gangnam, Songpa, Gangseo and Gwanak, came under the influence of the warning, which was first introduced to the nation's heat wave advisory system on June 1.
A serious heat wave warning is issued when the highest perceived temperature reaches 38C or higher, or the maximum daily temperature reaches 39C or higher, in an area where the highest perceived temperature is 35C or higher for two or more consecutive days.
As the heat wave has intensified, 18 additional heat-related illness cases were reported in Seoul on Monday, government data showed, bringing the city's cumulative total since May 15 to 185, including two deaths.
`The Seoul metropolitan government said it was closely monitoring the rise in heat-related illnesses and has launched an all-out response, including watering roads and protecting vulnerable groups, like residents living in cramped housing. (QNA)