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    Deadly heat wave to grip South Korea, Seoul may set all-time record high temperature

    By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
    7/31/2018, 12:13:41 PM

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    A deadly heat wave has gripped much of South Korea since the middle of July, and temperatures are expected to soar to the highest levels of the year in many areas in the coming days.

    So far at least 27 people have died from heat-related illnesses this year, and that number is likely to rise as the heat peaks on Wednesday and Thursday.

    In fact, the heat may reach historic levels in some locations, including Seoul.

    Korea AP2 7/31

    A visitor walks through a water mist to cool herself off at the Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)


    The all-time highest temperature recorded in the city is 38.4 C (101.1 F), according to the Korean Meteorological Administration which has kept records since 1907.

    Both Wednesday and Thursday, the city will bake under extreme heat, and a new all-time high temperature could be set either day.

    The current all-time high was recorded on July 24, 1994, during an intense heat wave that claimed around 3,000 lives according to the Korea Herald.

    Korea 7/31

    The current heat wave is the second longest in recorded history for the country, falling only behind the 1994 heat wave disaster.

    While the heat is expected to peak in the coming days, no significant relief is expected across the Korean Peninsula through at least this weekend.

    A weak frontal boundary may approach spark a few showers and thunderstorms early next week bringing some relief; however, temperatures will likely remain above normal in most areas.

    The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com

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    The AccuWeather global weather blog, written by Eric Leister, covers weather stories from around the world, with a focus on threatening weather events and also interesting weather phenomenon.