The ‘Severe Heat Wave Warning’, which was first introduced on the 1st of last month, was first issued for Gyeongsan and Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do on the 12th. With heat wave warnings continuing in most parts of the country, this heat wave is expected to reach its peak by the 13th. With the issuance of a severe heat wave warning, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency requested people to follow health rules to prevent heat-related illnesses, including immediately stopping outdoor activities. The Korea Meteorological Administration announced that a severe heat wave warning will be issued for Gyeongsan and Pohang at 10 a.m. on the 12th. A severe heat wave warning is issued when a heat wave with a daily maximum perceived temperature of 35 degrees or higher is expected to continue for more than two days and a maximum perceived temperature of 38 degrees or higher or a maximum temperature of 39 degrees or higher is expected to continue for more than one day. It is the highest level of heat wave warning. Lee Mi-seon, head of the Korea Meteorological Administration, said in a briefing that day, “This is the first time that the newly created highest warning level has actually been issued since the introduction of the heat wave warning system in 2008.” The day before, the highest daytime temperature in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan-si soared to 39.9 degrees, approaching 40 degrees. Pohang City also recorded 37.2 degrees in Gigi-myeon on the same day. On the 12th, the two regions experienced scorching heat exceeding 36 degrees.