This summer, sweat drips down, the sun feels scorching, and the humidity is pushing the discomfort index to new heights. The heat is so intense that once the air conditioner is turned on, it’s hard to turn it off. But why are we experiencing such extreme heat even in early summer?

According to meteorological data analysis, there is a high possibility of La Niña occurring this summer, with strong Tibetan high pressure hovering above the North Pacific High. Additionally, the warm core from China is affecting Korea, contributing to the formation of heatwaves. The warm core, which is a mass of warm air surrounded by cooler air, has seen temperatures exceeding 40°C since early summer, significantly influencing the weather.

When La Niña occurs, it leads to warmer-than-usual sea temperatures. This warm sea creates double high-pressure systems, forming strong downward air currents that compress the air, further increasing ground-level temperatures. As a result, summers during La Niña years are known as “mangseo” in Korea, meaning “fierce heat.”

This year, the rainy season front has stalled over Japan, leading to the end-of-rainy-season phenomenon appearing as early as June. While Korea typically experiences heat after the rainy season ends, this summer, the heat arrived even before the rains. Such climate changes are making seasonal distinctions increasingly unclear.

There are numerous examples showing how unusually hot this summer has been. The Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province, an area typically cool enough in summer to forgo air conditioning, issued a heat wave advisory this year. As a result, more than half of the cabbages grown in Taebaek have withered due to rot and pests. Beyond Taebaek, in Seogwipo, Jeju, gizzard shad, usually a fall delicacy, have ripened early, and haenyeo (female divers) are finding the seawater so warm that it feels hot. Gizzard shad fishing grounds are expanding northward, and the seawater has become so warm that even seaweed is cooking, rendering the habitat uninhabitable for the marine life that once thrived there.

This intense heat has also led to many fatalities. People who work long hours in the hot weather are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. When body temperature exceeds the normal range, it can lead to heat stroke, especially when the air temperature is higher than body temperature, making it difficult to regulate. Recently, a man collapsed from heat stroke at a convenience store. He was transported by ambulance, but due to delays caused by a medical strike, he couldn’t find an emergency room in time. Although he was diagnosed with heat stroke at the hospital, he unfortunately passed away.

The heat wave poses significant risks, especially to low-income populations. According to 2018 data on heat-related illness incidence, the rate of occurrence among low-income individuals was about three times higher than that of high-income individuals. Most of this summer's heat-related fatalities have also been among vulnerable groups, underscoring the urgent need for community attention and care.

Moreover, the ongoing medical strike is causing widespread inconvenience across the country. In some general hospitals, emergency rooms are refusing to admit patients other than those already under their care. When one cannot find an emergency room in a life-threatening situation, it becomes a grave concern for both the individual and their family. Swift measures are needed to prevent such tragic deaths from recurring.

When working in extreme heat, it is essential to wear protective gear, work in teams, and offer mutual assistance. It is crucial to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated to prevent heat stroke. If someone collapses from heat stroke and loses consciousness, do not give them water, as there is a risk of choking. Instead, until the ambulance arrives, lower their body temperature quickly using ice packs or other means. Let's stay vigilant about our health during this heat wave and make it through the summer safely.