An early summer heat, with midday highs of over 30 degrees Celsius, is gripping the southeastern part of the peninsula, with Daegu hitting 35 C on Monday, the state weather agency said Monday.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the season’s first heat wave warning was issued for the southeastern city of Daegu as well as inland counties and cities in Gyeongsang Province as of 11 a.m. Monday. A heat wave warning is announced when a region’s day high reaches 35 C.

The temperature in Gyeongju and Hapcheon soared up to 36 C, the highest among cities in Gyeongsang Province, followed by Daegu and Miryang at 35 C.

Daytime temperatures in the southeastern city of Ulsan on Tuesday reached 32 C, the highest ever recorded in May, exceeding its previous record of 31 C set 10 days earlier.

The temperature is expected to remain well above 30 C for the southeastern region on Tuesday as well, with a high of 33 C forecast for Daegu.

Seoul is expected to see a high of 28 C and a low of 18 C on Tuesday. Daytime highs will reach 31 C in Gwangju and 30 C in Gangneung and Chungju, North Chungcheong Province.

“The temperature gap between day and night is expected to be big, so it is advised for the weak and old to take extra care of their health,” the KMA advised.

“Outdoor activities should be avoided as much as possible, and water should be consumed more often than usual to prevent dehydration.”

The concentration levels of fine dust and ozone in the air will remain “normal” on Tuesday, similar to those of the previous day, it added.

By Byun Hee-jin (hjbandi9@heraldcorp.com)