Heat Wave Refuses to Abate

Published on 2016/08/22 | Source

People shield themselves from the scorching sun in Seoul on Sunday.

Temperatures defied predictions on Sunday by setting a new record for Seoul as the heat wave refused to abate.

Daytime temperatures soared particularly in the Seoul metropolitan region and Jeolla provinces, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rising above 37 degrees in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province and Iksan, North Jeolla Province.

The KMA now predicts the temperatures in the capital will still rise to 35 degrees on Monday and 34 on Tuesday but the heat wave will abate on Friday.

The number of patients with heat-related illnesses rose to 1,949 as of last Friday, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday.

Sixteen people died of heat-related illnesses.