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South Korea recorded its highest ever July electricity demand of 93.4 gigawatts (GW) on July 7, as unprecedented heatwave conditions drive air conditioning usage to record levels across the nation. Breaking Temperature and Power Records The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that July 7 saw nationwide average temperatures reach 33.2°C (91.8°F), with Seoul hitting 35.1°C (95.2°F) - the highest temperature recorded this year. More extreme readings came from Daegu at 37.8°C (100°F) and Andong at 38.2°C (100.8°F), with heat indices exceeding 40°C (104°F). This extreme weather directly translated into record-breaking electricity consumption. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) confirmed that peak power demand reached 93.4 GW at 2 PM on July 7, surpassing the previous July record of 91.2 GW set in 2024 by 2.2 GW - a 2.4% year-over-year increase. ...

Government Launches Multi-Faceted Safety Inspection Program As Korea experiences prolonged extreme heat and tropical nights, the government has launched a comprehensive safety management inspection program focused on protecting vulnerable populations. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on July 12th that it is conducting direct inspections of temporary housing facilities for wildfire victims and water recreation safety management, prioritizing heat-related illness prevention. Targeted Support for Wildfire Disaster Victims Kim Kwang-yong, Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, personally visited temporary housing facilities for wildfire victims in Cheongsong and Yeongyang counties in North Gyeongsang Province. His inspection focused on comprehensive living conditions, particularly meal services and cooling systems during the extr...

Seoul issued its first heatwave warning of the year on July 7th, marking an 18-day earlier onset compared to last year's "historically worst heat" period (July 25th). With this early heatwave warning and the end of the monsoon season, this summer's heat is expected to be unusually prolonged. Heatwave Warning Status According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the heatwave advisory issued at 10 AM on July 7th for Seoul and the metropolitan area, including regions west of the Baekdu-daegan mountain range, was upgraded to a heatwave warning. A heatwave warning is the highest level of heat advisory, issued when the maximum apparent temperature exceeds 35°C for two or more consecutive days or when significant heat-related damage is expected. Seoul's maximum temperature is forecast to reach 36°C on July 8th and 9th, with apparent temperatures expected to be even higher. Suffocating heat that makes breathing difficult even while stationary is expected to ...

South Korea's record-breaking heat wave has pushed heat-related illness cases to nearly 1,000, with emergency room visits doubling compared to the same period last year, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on July 9th. Surge in Heat-Related Illness Cases According to the KDCA, 238 people (including 1 death) visited 516 emergency rooms nationwide on July 8th due to heat-related illnesses. This brings the cumulative total of heat-related illness patients to 977 since the KDCA activated its heat illness surveillance system on May 15th, approaching 1,000 cases. Comparing data from the surveillance start date, 961 cases have been recorded this year versus 478 cases during the same period last year - a doubling of incidents. This surge results from the unprecedented heat wave that began in late June and continues to break records. Heat-related deaths are estimated at 7 total, more than double the 3 deaths during the same period last year. While not yet...

South Korea is experiencing its most severe July heatwave in 117 years, with temperatures reaching over 40°C and electricity consumption hitting record highs nationwide, triggering widespread economic disruptions. Record-Breaking Temperatures Scorch Nation According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Paju and Gwangmyeong recorded temperatures of 40.1°C and 40.2°C respectively on July 8th, marking the first time this year that temperatures have exceeded 40°C. Seoul also reached 37.1°C, setting a new July temperature record since weather recordings began 117 years ago. The extreme heat has affected 68 out of 153 weather stations nationwide, with heat wave warnings issued across major metropolitan areas including Gangnam (38.7°C), Jongno (38.2°C), and Dongjak (39°C) districts in Seoul. Meteorologists attribute this unprecedented heatwave to the simultaneous influence of the North Pacific High and continental high-pressure systems covering the Korean Peninsula. Weather off...

Seoul meteorological authorities issued the city's first heat wave warning of 2025 on July 7, with temperatures expected to soar to 36°C (97°F) on Tuesday. The extreme weather has prompted emergency health measures as heat-related illnesses surge across the metropolitan area, marking the beginning of what experts predict could be an exceptionally challenging summer season. Meteorological Conditions and Forecast According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the heat wave warning will take effect from July 8, with maximum temperatures in Seoul expected to reach 36°C. This marks the first such warning issued for the capital this year, arriving somewhat later than in previous years but with potentially greater intensity. The persistent high-pressure system from the North Pacific continues to dominate the Korean Peninsula, creating stable atmospheric conditions that trap heat and prevent cooling. Urban heat island effects in downtown Seoul are expected to make the perce...

Unprecedented Game Duration Raises Alarms With the 2026 North American World Cup just over a year away, weather has emerged as the tournament's biggest variable. The ongoing Club World Cup has repeatedly experienced game interruptions due to lightning and extreme heat, raising serious concerns about next year's flagship tournament. The Chelsea vs. Benfica Round of 16 match, which lasted an unprecedented 4 hours and 38 minutes, has sent shockwaves through the soccer community. The Chelsea-Benfica clash created an extraordinary record in soccer history. With Chelsea leading 1-0 through Reece James' free kick in the 41st minute of the second half, the referee suspended play due to lightning forecasts. The game remained halted for approximately two hours before resuming, eventually requiring extra time and creating a total duration of 4 hours and 38 minutes. During the suspension, lightning strikes were captured live on broadcast television, while ...

Natural Lifecycle Indicates Temporary Phenomenon As masses of red-backed carpet flies, commonly known as "love bugs," emerge across South Korea causing public discomfort, experts predict that most individuals will naturally disappear by mid-July. This year's emergence has occurred approximately two weeks earlier than usual due to rising temperatures, drawing significant public attention to this phenomenon. According to officials from the National Institute of Biological Resources, "Looking at the love bug occurrence patterns from last year and the year before, most individuals should naturally perish by mid-July." Love bugs typically begin appearing in mid-June and remain active as adults for about one week until early July. Researcher Park Yong-mok explained that "most adult love bugs have shown patterns of disappearing around mid-July, and we expect similar patterns this year." Given love bugs' sensitivity to tempera...