Nationwide Deadly Heatwave, How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses Like Dizziness and Headaches...

Highest Feels-Like Temperature 33~35°C Until the 11th
Tropical Nights Continue with No Cooling at Night
Wearing Wide Hats and Light, Loose Clothing Helps When Going Out

As the heat index rises to around 35 degrees Celsius, hot weather continues, raising red flags for summer health management. During daytime hours, when the likelihood of heat-related illnesses is high, outdoor activities should be avoided, and if symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or nausea occur, immediate rest in a cool place is necessary.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 1st, most regions will experience a maximum heat index of 33 to 35 degrees Celsius until the 11th, continuing the hot weather. Tropical nights (nighttime minimum temperature of 25℃ or higher), where temperatures do not cool down, are expected to persist mainly in urban and coastal areas.

This heatwave is due to the formation of the North Pacific High in the lower atmosphere over the Korean Peninsula and the Tibetan High in the upper atmosphere. In 2018, the strong and widespread development of these two high-pressure systems led to what was recorded as an 'unprecedented heatwave.'

On the afternoon of the 6th, when heatwave warnings were issued across the country, health center medical staff at the COVID-19 screening clinic in Buk-gu, Gwangju, wiped sweat in front of a cooling fan. Photo by Yonhap News

Additionally, Typhoon No. 6 'Khanun' is exacerbating the heatwave. As Khanun slowly moves northward, hot and humid air is being drawn into the Korean Peninsula. At 9 a.m. on the 1st, Khanun passed 260 km south-southeast of Okinawa, Japan, and after repeatedly moving west-northwest near Okinawa, it is expected to remain stationary for an extended period in the East China Sea northeast of Taiwan starting around the 3rd.

The problem is that the prolonged heatwave raises concerns about a sharp increase in heat-related illness cases. Although invisible, heatwaves have a deadly impact on life, earning the nickname 'silent killer.'

In fact, due to the effects of climate change, heatwaves are becoming more intense and lasting longer, leading to a rising trend in heat-related illnesses. According to the Disease Control and Prevention Agency's 'Heat-related Illness Emergency Room Surveillance System' on the 31st, as of the 30th of last month, 61 new heat-related illness cases were reported, bringing the cumulative total to 1,117 patients. There have been 3 deaths, totaling 13 deaths so far. The cumulative number of heat-related illness cases this year is 69 more than the same period last year (1,048 cases), and the number of deaths has more than doubled compared to last year’s 6 deaths during the same period.

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by heat. Prolonged exposure to hot environments can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness. If left untreated, these illnesses can be life-threatening, with heatstroke and heat exhaustion being representative examples.

During the hot season, it is important to follow health guidelines. Frequent hydration is necessary, and outdoor activities should be avoided during heatwaves. If going outside is unavoidable, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and light, loose-fitting clothing can help prevent heat-related illnesses.

Early symptoms of heat-related illnesses include dizziness, headache, and nausea. If these symptoms appear, stop all activities immediately and move to a cool place to rest.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.