The nationwide record-breaking heat wave is expected to continue through Liberation Day. As extreme heat persists, with daytime temperatures in Seoul approaching 40 degrees Celsius, even the northward movement of Typhoon Dolphin, the 13th typhoon of the season, is unlikely to bring relief.

■ Heat Wave to Continue Through Liberation Day... Feels-Like Temperatures to Reach 35 Degrees or Higher

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the heat wave will persist from the 9th through Liberation Day, with morning temperatures ranging from 22 to 27 degrees and daytime highs reaching 29 to 36 degrees. In particular, inland regions are expected to see feels-like temperatures of 35 degrees or higher, while other areas will reach 33 degrees or above. The KMA forecast that the strong influence of the North Pacific high-pressure system in early August will make it difficult for the heat wave to subside. Rain is forecast for the Yeongdong region of Gangwon Province and Jeju Island on the 9th.

■ Typhoon 'Dolphin' Heading Toward Shanghai via Okinawa... Concerns It May Actually Intensify the Heat

As of 10 a.m. on the 5th, Typhoon Dolphin was traveling westward across waters 1,030 km east of Okinawa. It is expected to reach waters 420 km south-southeast of Shanghai around 9 a.m. on the 10th.

While there were initial expectations that Dolphin would ease the heat wave, recent track forecasts indicate a higher likelihood of the typhoon passing through Okinawa, Japan, and making landfall south of Shanghai, China. Forecasts from major countries, including Japan and the United States, are reportedly largely consistent with those of the KMA.

If this track holds, some analyses suggest Dolphin could actually worsen the heat wave by funneling hot air from the southern seas into inland areas. The KMA believes that while Dolphin's movement may cause some changes in the pressure systems around the Korean Peninsula, it will be difficult to fundamentally relieve the heat.

■ Insufficient to Relieve Southern Drought... Rain Possible in Parts of Jeju and Southern Waters

While Dolphin's approach may bring some rain to the Jeju region and southern waters, it is expected to fall far short of alleviating the severe drought in the southern provinces.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Kujira, the 14th typhoon of the season, has also formed but is not expected to affect South Korea. As of 9 a.m. on the 5th, Kujira was passing over waters 370 km northwest of Manila, Philippines, and is expected to weaken into a tropical depression as it crosses land about 270 km north of Manila around 9 a.m. on the 6th.