South Korea issued its first-ever heat wave emergency warning — the highest alert level — for Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The warning was triggered by forecasted temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F) for three consecutive days.
The KMA's heat wave emergency warning system, introduced in 2024, is activated when the daily maximum temperature is expected to reach or surpass 35°C for at least three days. This is the first time the highest alert has been issued since the system's implementation.
Local authorities in Gyeongsan and Pohang have opened cooling centers and are advising residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
The KMA forecasts that the heat wave may expand to other regions in the coming days, with temperatures expected to remain high across much of the country. Officials urge the public to monitor weather updates and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
