Super Typhoon Dolphin may make or break Korea's ongoing heat wave

Super Typhoon Dolphin is approaching Korea, with its track expected to be a key factor in determining whether the extreme heat wave continues into next week.

Dolphin, the 13th named storm of the season, is moving west-northwest at 25 kilometers (16 miles) per hour over waters about 1,910 kilometers east of Guam as of 9 a.m. Friday, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said. The storm had a central pressure of 905 millibars and maximum sustained winds of 56 meters (184 feet) per second, placing it at Level 5, the highest intensity on the KMA's five-tier scale.

Dolphin is currently the strongest typhoon to form this year. Satellite images show a well-defined eye, underscoring its intensity.

The storm is forecast to continue moving west and reach waters about 1,000 kilometers east of Okinawa, Japan on Wednesday. Although it is expected to weaken slightly to Level 4 by then, maximum sustained winds are still forecast to reach 49 meters per second.

Its path after that remains highly uncertain. However, meteorologists say the storm's trajectory could significantly affect the extreme heat that has gripped the country.

A strong heat dome has formed over the Korean Peninsula as the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High remain in place. If those high-pressure systems persist, Dolphin is more likely to track toward China along the edge of the ridge.

"The easterly wind pattern created as the typhoon passes to the south will affect Korea," said Kang Nam-young, a geography professor at Kyungpook National University. "As moisture-laden easterly winds cross the Taebaek mountain range, they will warm further, which could intensify the heat wave in western regions."

If the high-pressure system covering the Korean Peninsula weakens after next week, the typhoon could instead turn northward. That would likely ease the heat wave, but increase the risk of torrential rain and damaging winds.

"The typhoon is so large that, if it enters Korea, it could cause damage on the scale of Typhoon Rusa," Kang said, referring to the typhoon that hit Korea in 2002. "By early next week, we should have a clearer picture of its projected path."

Extreme heat is expected to continue Friday, with temperatures reaching as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of South Gyeongsang.

Sunny weather is forecast to persist through the weekend and into next week, with the heat wave expected to peak nationwide. Temperatures in the Seoul metropolitan area are also expected to climb as high as 37 degrees Celsius.

"For the time being, the maximum heat index will rise to around 35 degrees Celsius across most parts of the country, and many areas will continue to experience tropical nights," a KMA official said. "Heat-related illnesses are possible, and people need to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activities."

BY CHON KWON-PIL [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]