South Korea issues first emergency heatwave warning under new rating system

South Korea issued its first-ever emergency heatwave alert on Sunday under a new warning system launched this year, advising people to halt outdoor activities and keep cool. An emergency alert is issued when areas experiencing a heatwave are forecast to hit perceived temperatures of 38°C or an actual temperature of 39°C for one day.

"The Korea Meteorological Administration issued an Emergency Heatwave Warning for two cities in southern North Gyeongsang Province -- Gyeongsan and Pohang," said agency chief Lee Mi-seon at a press briefing. The affected areas saw temperatures reach the emergency criteria over the weekend.