On the 6th, a day before Ipchu (the start of autumn on the lunar calendar), a 'severe heat wave warning' was issued for parts of the capital area, including Seoul and Incheon, as well as Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province. These regions are expected to experience life-threatening heat waves, with daytime high temperatures reaching 39 degrees or perceived temperatures exceeding 38 degrees. With heat wave advisories issued for most areas nationwide, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) strongly recommended refraining from outdoor activities and utilizing heat shelters.

■ Areas Under Severe Heat Wave Warning Severe heat wave warnings were issued for the capital area (Seoul, Ganghwa, northern Incheon, southern Incheon, Gwangmyeong, Ansan, Gimpo, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Gapyeong, Goyang, Namyangju, Osan, Pyeongtaek, Uiwang, Hanam, Anseong, Hwaseong, northwestern Paju, southern Paju, Yongin, Yeoju, Yangpyeong) and Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province. A severe heat wave warning is issued when the maximum perceived temperature reaches 35 degrees or higher for two or more consecutive days, and at least one day with a maximum perceived temperature of 38 degrees or higher or a maximum actual temperature of 39 degrees or higher is forecast.

■ Nationwide Temperature Forecast Morning low temperatures are forecast to range from 21 to 27 degrees, and daytime high temperatures from 30 to 39 degrees. Tropical nights, in which temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees overnight, are also expected to continue across the country.

Morning low temperatures by major city are: Seoul 27 degrees, Incheon 26 degrees, Suwon 26 degrees, Chuncheon 24 degrees, Gangneung 23 degrees, Cheongju 26 degrees, Daejeon 25 degrees, Jeonju 26 degrees, Gwangju 26 degrees, Daegu 26 degrees, Busan 26 degrees, and Jeju 27 degrees. Daytime high temperatures are forecast at: Seoul 39 degrees, Incheon 39 degrees, Suwon 38 degrees, Chuncheon 37 degrees, Gangneung 31 degrees, Cheongju 36 degrees, Daejeon 37 degrees, Jeonju 38 degrees, Gwangju 37 degrees, Daegu 36 degrees, Busan 33 degrees, and Jeju 33 degrees.

As of 5 a.m. on the 6th, temperatures in major areas were recorded as follows: Seoul 29.4 degrees, Incheon 29.7 degrees, Suwon 29.1 degrees, Chuncheon 25.0 degrees, Gangneung 25.7 degrees, Cheongju 28.7 degrees, Daejeon 27.4 degrees, Jeonju 27.9 degrees, Gwangju 27.5 degrees, Jeju 27.1 degrees, Daegu 25.3 degrees, Busan 26.3 degrees, Ulsan 23.8 degrees, and Changwon 26.5 degrees.

■ KMA Action Guidelines The KMA advised residents in the affected areas to suspend or postpone outdoor activities and outdoor work as much as possible, except for essential operations, and to take sufficient rest in cool places such as heat shelters.

■ Weather and Marine Information The country will be mostly clear, though Jeju Island is expected to receive 5 to 20 mm of rain in the morning. In the inland areas of the Jeolla region, fog reducing visibility to less than 1 km may occur from dawn through the morning. In the mountainous areas of Gangwon Province, dense fog with visibility under 200 m and light drizzle may occur due to easterly winds. Fine dust concentration levels are expected to be 'good' to 'moderate' across all regions.

At sea, wave heights in the East Sea and South Sea coastal waters are forecast at 0.5 to 1.5 m, and 0.5 to 1.0 m in the West Sea coastal waters. For offshore waters, waves are expected to reach 0.5 to 1.5 m in the East Sea, 0.5 to 2.0 m in the West Sea, and 1.0 to 2.5 m in the South Sea.

■ Heat Wave Health Advisory—Caution Against Heat Rash Heat rash is a skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts, typically appearing as milia-shaped lesions, bumpy rashes, or blisters in skin fold areas such as the neck, armpits, and behind the knees. Maintaining a cool environment, along with washing and drying the skin immediately after sweating, helps alleviate symptoms. Wearing loose, well-ventilated clothing is also effective for prevention. If itching is severe, avoid scratching and use a specialized ointment. Excessive use of powder can worsen symptoms, so caution is needed.