Heat wave throughout Korea caps record rainy season

Children play in a fountain to cool themselves off in Ulsan on Monday, as a heat wave hits much of the country. [NEWS1]

A heat advisory was in effect for most of Korea on Monday, as temperatures climbed following the country's longest-ever rainy season.

Heat advisories and alerts have been issued for areas in Daejeon, Gwangju and Busan, where the heat index was expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least two days.

In Seoul, the heat index was expected to remain above 33 degrees Celsius for two or more days.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecast daytime temperatures to rise over 33 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday. The temperatures in the country's eastern coastal areas and southern regions, including the resort island of Jeju, were expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius through Tuesday.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety sent emergency text messages urging the public to exercise caution, including staying hydrated and refraining from outdoor activities.

Nighttime temperatures were also expected to stay high, with nighttime lows remaining above 25 degrees Celsius between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. the following day.

On Monday, nighttime lows hovered at 26.1 degrees Celsius in Seoul, 28.3 degrees Celsius in Gangneung, 26.1 degrees Celsius in Busan and 27 degrees Celsius in Jeju, according to the KMA.

The heat wave is hitting the country after it underwent a record-long monsoon season. This year's rainy season began June 24 and continued for 54 days in the central part of the country, breaking a record set in 2013, when the rainy season lasted for 49 days, according to the KMA.

BY ESTHER CHUNG, YONHAP [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]