[날씨] '물 폭탄' 지나니 '불가마 더위'...당분간 폭염 계속 / YTN

[Anchor] As the monsoon rains recede, the entire nation has entered a full-blown heatwave phase. "Extreme heatwaves" exceeding 38 degrees Celsius are continuing day after day in parts of the Yeongnam region, and sweltering heat is raging across the country day and night. We will take a closer look at when the intensity of this heatwave might subside with Kim Min-kyung, a weather and disaster specialist reporter. First, please give us an update on today's heat situation. [Reporter] Yes, today, the temperature rose to 39.2 degrees in Sinam-dong, Daegu, 39 degrees in Gyeongju, and exceeded 38 degrees in various parts of the Yeongnam region, including Changnyeong, Yangsan, and Daegu. Severe heatwave warnings, issued when life-threatening extreme heat is expected, have continued for four days across parts of the Yeongnam and Honam regions. Currently, they are in effect in 19 locations. Heatwave advisories have also been issued for virtually the entire country, with the exception of Gangwon and some mountainous areas of Jeju. [Anchor] Suffocating heat continues day after day. What is the cause? [Reporter] In a word, it is because hot air is trapped. With the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High situated in the middle and lower layers of the atmosphere, the entire atmosphere is filled with hot air, leaving no room for heat to escape. It feels stifling to cover yourself with just one thick blanket on a summer night, but right now it is like being covered with two blankets right up to your head. [Anchor] The heatwave in the Yeongnam region is particularly severe. These days, people are even calling it "Gyeongfrica" ​​instead of "Daefrica." Why is that? [Reporter] Yes, there are three main factors driving up temperatures: strong sunlight, wind, and topography. Wind is the key factor. When a southerly wind blows, hot and humid air crosses over the mountains near the coast of Gyeongnam, such as Geoje. During this process, the so-called 'Föhn phenomenon' occurs, where air that has released rain and lost moisture becomes drier and hotter as it descends the mountain. As this heated air flows into the inland areas of North Gyeongsang Province, such as Gyeongsan, Gyeongju, and Pohang, temperatures rise higher than in other regions. [Anchor] A 'Severe Heatwave Warning' has been introduced starting this year. How is it different from the existing warnings? [Reporter] Yes, as extreme heatwaves—which were rare in the past—become more frequent, the Korea Meteorological Administration has revamped its heatwave advisory system for the first time in 18 years. The highest level is the 'Severe Heatwave Warning.' It is issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to be 38 degrees or higher, or when the maximum temperature is expected to remain above 39 degrees for at least one day. It was first issued in Pohang and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province on the 12th, and since last Friday, it has been repeatedly issued and lifted in parts of the Yeongnam and Honam regions. When a severe heat wave warning is issued, you should stop outdoor activities as much as possible and move to a cool place. In particular, you must check the health status of vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly. [Anchor] While the days are hot, the night heat is also severe. It seems that tropical nights have become more frequent and longer recently? [Reporter] A tropical night is a phenomenon where the minimum temperature during the night does not drop below 25 degrees Celsius. Looking at Seoul alone, the number of tropical night days has doubled over the past two years compared to the past, and there have even been cases where they continued until mid-September. As is currently the case, two high-pressure systems overlap, preventing hot air from escaping even at night. In urban areas, the urban heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt heated during the day continue to emit heat late into the night, also plays a role. Above all, recent record-high sea surface temperatures are being analyzed as a major cause of the tropical nights worsening, as warm and humid air continues to be supplied even at night. As tropical night advisories have been in effect since this summer, residents in areas under these advisories must pay attention to their health management, such as avoiding air conditioning and staying hydrated, even at night. [Anchor] Recently... (omitted) YTN Kim Min-kyung ([email protected]) ▶ Original Article: https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0108_202607... ▶ Report a Tip: https://mj.ytn.co.kr/mj/mj_write.php ▣ Subscribe to YTN YouTube Channel: http://goo.gl/Ytb5SZ ⓒ YTN Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use of AI data are prohibited.