Preventing Summer Heatwave Damage in Advance with Prediction Information from the Korea Meteorological Administration and KDCA

“Heat-Related Illness Occurrence Prediction Information” Now Available to the Public

Four-Level Risk Assessment Provided for 17 Metropolitan Cities and Provinces Nationwide

As the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are rapidly rising due to climate change, the government is stepping up efforts to prevent heat-related illnesses by proactively utilizing meteorological and health data.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that, in collaboration with the Korea Meteorological Administration, it has developed “Heat-Related Illness Occurrence Prediction Information,” which will be released on the Health Risk Integrated Information System website starting May 11.

The KDCA is accelerating the provision of this predictive information due to the recent abnormal high temperatures. In June of last year, the average temperature reached 22.9℃, the highest since 1973. This led to human casualties, with 4,460 cases of heat-related illnesses reported last year—a significant increase of 20.4% compared to the previous year.

Accordingly, alongside the existing emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illnesses, there is a growing need for predictive, data-driven information that enables proactive response before risks occur.

Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint development based on health and meteorological data in 2024, the KDCA and the Korea Meteorological Administration have been jointly working on developing a heat-related illness prediction model. Last year, the KDCA provided predictive information on heat-related illness occurrences to medical institutions and public health centers through the Disease Health Integrated Management System. Starting this year, a big data-based prediction model enables the public to prepare in advance for potential risk situations.

The prediction information for heat-related illness occurrences is based on a big data algorithm that comprehensively analyzes historical statistics and meteorological variables. It provides detailed guidance on the risk of occurrence nationwide and in 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, categorizing the risk for “today through the day after tomorrow” into four levels: Attention, Caution, Alert, and Severe. The risk levels are defined as: ▲Level 1 (possibility of occurrence), ▲Level 2 (occurrence in some regions), ▲Level 3 (damage expected in most regions), and ▲Level 4 (significant damage expected).

The KDCA warned that even if the prediction is announced as Level 1, individuals may still develop illnesses depending on their health condition or activity environment. The agency especially recommended adopting the following health measures to prevent heat-related illnesses: ▲drink water frequently, ▲keep cool, and ▲refrain from outdoor activities during hot hours.

KDCA Commissioner Lim Seungkwan stated, “Developing and providing prediction information for heat-related illnesses is a proactive prevention policy aimed at reducing health damage caused by heatwaves in advance,” and added, “Going forward, we will strengthen health protection systems that people can feel by cooperating with related ministries such as the Korea Meteorological Administration.”

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