News & Reports
Record-breaking heatwave expected to continue
InformativeCountry: South Korea
Location: Nationwide, with the highest risk in South Gyeongsang Province and other southern and southeastern regions
South Korea is experiencing an extreme heatwave after Yangsan recorded 41.4°C on July 31—the country’s highest temperature since modern observations began. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in the city for three consecutive days, while the highest-level heat warning was issued for parts of South Gyeongsang Province. Heatwave warnings and advisories remain in effect across most of the country.
The extreme heat is expected to continue through at least August 6, with daytime temperatures forecast to reach 33–39°C. Apparent temperatures may exceed 33°C nationwide and 35°C in southern regions, while tropical nights are expected in many areas. The conditions pose a significant risk during hiking, sightseeing and other prolonged outdoor activities.
Advice:
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest afternoon hours.
Drink water regularly and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles.
Check KMA forecasts and local emergency alerts before outdoor activities
Topics: Heat WavesSevere Weather
Rapidly spreading wildfire forces evacuations near Spokane
InformativeCountry: USA
Location: Spokane and surrounding areas, eastern Washington State
The Old Trails Fire ignited on August 1 and spread rapidly through northwest Spokane, crossing the Spokane River and advancing toward residential neighborhoods. According to the latest reports, the fire has burned approximately 3,000 acres, remains uncontained, threatens thousands of structures and has forced widespread evacuations.
A statewide emergency and burn ban have been declared. Power outages, road closures and deteriorating air quality have been reported. Dry vegetation, low humidity and gusty winds may contribute to further fire spread in the coming days.
Advice:
Avoid northwest Spokane and all active evacuation zones.
Follow local emergency alerts and evacuate immediately if instructed.
Check road closures, power outages and air-quality updates before travel
Topics: Fires
Heavy rain and rough seas expected
CautionCountry: Thailand
Location: Northern, northeastern and eastern Thailand, and the Andaman coast
Heavy rain may cause flash floods and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas. Rough seas are also expected in the Andaman Sea, with waves reaching two to three meters from August 3. Small boats are advised to remain ashore.
Topics: Severe Weather
Safety Precautions:
- - Avoid rivers, waterfalls, caves and flooded roads.
- - Check road, ferry and speedboat services before departure.
- - Avoid marine activities during storms and follow local authority instructions.
Dangerous heat wave and increased risk of fires in the Western United States
WarningCountry: USA
Location: Arizona, Nevada, California, Montana
A powerful heat wave is bringing record-breaking temperatures across the Western United States. Temperatures could reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius) in El Centro, 111 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius) in Phoenix, 111 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in Las Vegas, and 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in parts of Montana.
Hot, dry conditions and strong winds are also increasing the risk of fires. Increased fire risk is expected across much of Southern California, with peak temperatures by August 2 and, in some areas, by August 5.
Topics: Heat Waves
Safety Precautions:
- Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged exposure to the sun during hot days. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening hours and take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Be sure to drink plenty of water and use sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat, and long, light clothing
- Forest fires may occur due to the heat wave. Avoid areas with fire smoke, and close your car and home windows in case of deteriorating air quality.
- Stay updated on local news and weather apps and, in the event of evacuations due to forest fires, obey the instructions of security forces on the ground.
Floods and heavy rains disrupt traffic in Kerala
CautionCountry: India
Location: Pathanamthitta district, Kerala
Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and waterlogging across Pathanamthitta, affecting roads, homes and low-lying areas. Rising river levels and saturated ground are increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides, especially in hilly areas and near rivers.
Heavy rains are expected to continue in Kerala until August 2, and there may be further road closures, power outages and transport disruptions
Topics: FloodsSevere Weather
Safety Precautions:
- Avoid travelling on flooded roads and bridges and staying near rivers, waterfalls and hilly areas, even if the water level appears low.
- Allow extra time for travel and prepare alternative routes, especially to airports, railway stations and remote accommodation.
- Keep your phone charged and carry water, essential medications, and a portable battery.
- Stay updated with local news and weather apps. Follow evacuation orders and instructions from local authorities and emergency services.
Another heatwave expected across the country in the coming days
WarningCountry: Italy
Location: Nationwide
Another heatwave is expected to affect large areas of Italy over the next few days.
Temperatures are expected to approach 40 degrees in parts of central Italy and could reach 44 degrees in Sardinia. High humidity and hot night temperatures could worsen the heat stress.
Topics: Heat Waves
Safety Precautions:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the outdoors and strenuous exercise from late morning to early evening. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty; wear light clothing, a hat, and use sunscreen.
- If you feel dizzy, weak, have a headache, feel sick or confused, seek medical attention immediately.
- Be prepared for delays and disruptions in public transportation and power outages due to the intense heat.
- Stay up to date with local news and weather apps.
Major rail disruptions and station closures expected
InformativeCountry: United Kingdom
Location: London, Birmingham, Liverpool, East Midlands, South Wales and Glasgow
Rail services are significantly disrupted due to strikes, reduced timetables and engineering works. Routes between London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield are affected, while London Charing Cross and Waterloo East remain closed until August 16.
Additional congestion is expected in Glasgow through August 2 due to major events, with nighttime road closures also planned on several key routes. Airports are currently operating normally.
Advice:
* Check National Rail and your operator before departure.
* Allow extra travel time and avoid relying on the last train.
* Use London Bridge, Victoria or Blackfriars instead of Charing Cross and Waterloo East.
Topics: Transportation Incidents
Curfew Reimposed in Birgunj as Tensions Persist
warningLocation: Birgunj, Nepal
Authorities have reimposed a curfew in Birgunj due to ongoing tensions, banning assemblies of more than five people and public gatherings until Saturday morning.
Topics: Civil Unrest
Safety Precautions:
Orange Alert for Storms in Argentina
warningLocation: Buenos Aires, Argentina
An orange alert has been issued for storms, with intense rains and strong gusts expected in the affected areas.
Topics: Severe Weather
Safety Precautions:
Wildfires could disrupt travel in Athens and other parts of Greece
WarningCountry: Greece
Location: Athens area, especially west of Athens, Boeotia, Crete
Greek authorities have ordered evacuations as a precaution in communities west of Athens as wildfires continue to burn near the capital, causing heavy smoke and heightened emergency preparedness. Other wildfires have also affected other parts of Greece, including Boeotia and Crete, where residents and visitors have been evacuated from certain areas.
As a result, there may be local road closures, smoke, evacuation orders, access restrictions to settlements, coastal areas and roads near active fire hotspots.
Topics: Wildland Fires
Safety Precautions:
- Avoid areas affected by wildfires and areas with visible smoke.
- Check road conditions before traveling in Athens, Boeotia, Crete or rural areas.
- Close windows in case of smoke and stay indoors in air-conditioned places.
- Stay informed of local news and follow the instructions of security forces on the ground. Be prepared for a possible evacuation of your area.