South Korea Issues First Emergency Heatwave Warning as Typhoon Bavi Weakens Over China

South Korea issued its first emergency heatwave warning under a new rating system while Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit China this year, weakened into a tropical storm after causing widespread damage, evacuations, landslides and flooding across eastern China and Taiwan. [1] [4]

South Korea Issues First Emergency Heatwave Warning

South Korea issued its first emergency heatwave warning under its new rating system. [1] The alert marks the initial use of the updated system for emergency conditions tied to extreme heat. [1] Officials activated the warning as part of efforts to address severe weather patterns affecting the region. [1] The new rating framework allows for more precise communication of heat-related risks to the public. [1] This development coincides with other intense weather events reported across Asia and beyond. [1]

Typhoon Bavi Strikes China as Strongest Storm of the Year

Typhoon Bavi made landfall on China's east coast as the most powerful storm to strike the country this year before weakening into a tropical storm and moving inland. [4] The storm system crossed the eastern coastline and then diminished in strength as it progressed farther inland. [4] Bavi reached peak intensity prior to landfall, qualifying it as the strongest storm of the year to affect China. [4] Rescue operations began immediately after the storm passed, focusing on areas directly impacted by high winds. [4] The transition from typhoon to tropical storm occurred Sunday morning local time. [4]

Mass Evacuations and Damage Across Eastern China

Nearly 2 million people were evacuated ahead of Bavi's arrival, mostly in Zhejiang province. [4] Rescue workers in China used excavators and chainsaws to clear streets blocked by fallen trees, and the storm triggered landslides and flooding in some areas. [4] Evacuation efforts concentrated on coastal and low-lying zones most vulnerable to storm surge and heavy precipitation. [4] Cleanup crews deployed heavy equipment to restore access on major roads and urban thoroughfares. [4] Landslides and localized flooding complicated recovery operations in affected inland districts. [4] The scale of the evacuation reflected the anticipated strength of the system as it approached the mainland. [4]

Impacts on Taiwan From Bavi

Bavi brought strong winds and heavy rain to northern Taiwan, injuring 134 people with no reported deaths. [4] The storm passed north of the island on Saturday, July 11, 2026, generating widespread gusts and intense rainfall across much of the territory. [4] Rescue authorities on the island confirmed the injury total on Sunday, noting that no fatalities had been recorded. [4] Residents in exposed coastal and mountainous areas experienced the strongest effects from the passing system. [4] The absence of deaths was attributed to advance preparations and timely warnings issued before the storm's closest approach. [4]

Lingering Rain Risks and Forecasts

Forecasts indicate Bavi may still bring prolonged and widespread rainfall to eastern and northern China. [4] The weakened system is expected to maintain moisture that could produce extended periods of rain across broad sections of the mainland. [4] Meteorologists highlighted the potential for continued flooding in river basins and urban centers even after the storm center moved inland. [4] The forecast emphasizes that rainfall totals could accumulate significantly over multiple days in the targeted regions. [4] Authorities continue to monitor river levels and drainage systems in anticipation of additional precipitation. [4]

U.S. Fire Weather and Flood Alerts

Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across portions of Idaho for gusty winds and low relative humidity that elevate fire risk. [2] [3] One warning covers the Lemhi and Lost River Range/Challis NF area from 1 PM to 9 PM MDT Sunday, with south winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph. [2] A separate warning applies to the Upper Snake River Valley/Idaho Falls BLM and adjacent zones during the same period, featuring southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and humidity as low as 10 percent. [3] In northeastern Oklahoma, a Flash Flood Warning covers Northeastern Creek County, West Central Rogers County, Southern Tulsa County, and Northwestern Wagoner County until 1245 AM CDT. [5] Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain, with 1 to 2.5 inches already recorded in the warned counties. [5] The alerts reflect simultaneous severe weather conditions in different parts of the United States. [2] [3] [5]

What to watch next: Continued monitoring will focus on whether Bavi generates additional prolonged rainfall across eastern and northern China and whether the active Red Flag Warnings and Flash Flood Warning produce further impacts in Idaho and Oklahoma.