Paju, Gwangmyeong reach 40 degrees, heat-related deaths up 3 fold from last year

Temperatures in Gwangmyeong and Paju soared above 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, marking the highest July temperatures ever recorded in the country.

The intense heat wave has led to two more heat-related deaths, increasing the figure to nine this year.

Lee Seung-jae has more.

The intense heat wave continues in the capital region, with the western cities of Gwangmyeong and Paju seeing mercury readings soar above 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this marked the highest July temperatures ever recorded in the country.

At around 3:24 PM, Paju reached 40-point-1 degrees, while Gwangmyeong hit 40-point-2 degrees at around 3:42 PM.

The highest temperature ever recorded since weather observations began, was 41 degrees in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province.

However, that was in August 2018.

Amid the intense heat wave, two more heat-related deaths were reported on Tuesday.

Two elderly people in Chungcheongnam-do Province, one in their 90s in Gongju and the other in their 80s from Seosan, died, bringing the number of heat-related deaths this year to nine.

That's a three-fold jump from the same period last year.

As of Monday, the country also reported 961 cases of heat-related illnesses, up from 478, the same period last year.

And Seoul residents, too, are seeking an escape from the heat.

"I'm working outside, and it's so hot I feel like I'm going to melt. It's very hot. I want to go to the seaside."

The intense heat will continue in the capital on Wednesday, with Seoul forecast to see a daytime high reaching 36 degrees.

The western regions will also see similar temperatures, with vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly advised to stay indoors and limit their outdoor activities.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.