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.



The new warning system was introduced to better deal with a rising number of heatwaves in South Korea, which have become longer and more intense.



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 at 10am yeserday for two cities in southern North Gyeongsang Province - Gyeongsan and Pohang," during a breifing.



The affected areas saw temperatures reach the emergency criteria over the weekend..