SEOUL — Amid a summer marked by unprecedented heat, South Korea’s state weather agency announced on Sunday its plan to publish the first-ever white paper on heat waves by the end of this year. This comprehensive document will detail the history, causes, and societal impacts of heat waves, as well as provide midterm and long-term forecasts.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the forthcoming white paper aims to enhance public understanding and preparedness in dealing with heat waves, which have posed significant health risks this summer. While the KMA has previously produced reports on monsoons and typhoons, this initiative represents the agency’s first focused effort on heat waves specifically.
The urgency of this publication is underscored by the toll of the current heat wave, which has already resulted in 22 deaths and affected 2,652 people with heat-related illnesses this year alone. By compiling and analyzing data on heat waves, the KMA seeks to better equip the public and policymakers to manage and mitigate the effects of these increasingly frequent and severe weather events.