First overhaul of heat alerts in 18 years — new 'serious heatwave warning' from June 2026
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
The Korea Meteorological Administration has overhauled the heat alert system for the first time in 18 years, adding a 'serious heatwave warning' issued at a daily maximum apparent temperature of 38℃ or above, from June 2026.
Key facts
| Applies from | June 2026 (first overhaul in 18 years) |
|---|---|
| Serious heatwave warning | When a daily maximum apparent temperature of 38℃ or above (or a daily maximum temperature of 39℃ or above) lasts 1 day or more |
| Existing levels | Heatwave advisory (apparent 33℃, 2 days or more), heatwave warning (35℃, 2 days or more) |
| Additions | New tropical night advisory (overnight minimum temperature 25–27℃), alert zones broken down into smaller areas |
Last checked:
The Korea Meteorological Administration has overhauled the heat alert system for the first time in 18 years, and the changes apply from June 2026. Alongside the existing heatwave advisory (a daily maximum apparent temperature of 33℃ or above lasting 2 days or more) and heatwave warning (35℃ or above lasting 2 days or more), a new 'serious heatwave warning' (폭염중대경보) will be issued when a daily maximum apparent temperature of 38℃ or above (or a daily maximum temperature of 39℃ or above) lasts 1 day or more. A tropical night advisory based on regional overnight minimum temperatures of 25–27℃ is also being added to address the risk of high temperatures at night, and alert zones are being broken down into smaller areas.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
When is the new serious heatwave warning issued?
When a daily maximum apparent temperature of 38℃ or above (or a daily maximum temperature of 39℃ or above) lasts 1 day or more. It applies from June 2026.
What are the thresholds for a heatwave advisory and warning?
A heatwave advisory is issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature is 33℃ or above for 2 days or more, and a heatwave warning when it is 35℃ or above for 2 days or more.