"With the country experiencing scorching hot temperatures of over 30 degrees,
a heat wave advisory was issued in Seoul on Wednesday for the first time this summer."

At the peak of the day, the temperature was 32 degrees Celsius.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issues an advisory when it forecasts that daytime highs will stay above 33 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days in the June-September period.
Heat wave warnings have also been issued in other parts of the nation, with the southeastern city of Daegu hitting 35 degrees this afternoon.


[Interview : Lee Kwan, Visitor from Gwangju] "It's too hot. I feel like I'm going to suffer from heatstroke. But I feel a little relaxed being near the water."

Last night, Seoul also suffered from its second consecutive "tropical night," a phenomenon that occurs when the night time lows stay above 25 degrees Celsius.
Residents in other parts of the country have also been experiencing similar situations over the past few days.


[Interview : Hur Jin-ho, Forecaster
Korea Meteorological Administration] "The heat wave and tropical nights are expected to continue until early August, as high atmospheric pressure from the North Pacific continues to affect the country."

With the mercury rising steadily across the nation, energy consumption surged as people turned their air conditioners on to keep cool.
The demand for electricity hit a record high over the past two days, peaking at over 70 megawatts each day.

Meanwhile, the sweltering heat has had serious consequences for people's health.
Over 100 people have reportedly been treated for heatstroke, and three of them have died this month alone.
To guard against the effects of the heat, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised people to stay indoors in the afternoon, get enough rest, and drink a lot of water.
Heo Seung-ha, Arirang News.

Reporter : annaheo@arirang.co.kr