'Seoul Heatwave Major Warning' Enters Second Day → Only Tomorrow's Jamsil KIA vs. LG Game Cancelled? Under Regulations, the Other Four Stadiums Could Also Be Affected

*This content was translated by AI.

The KBO League has halted operations amid nationwide heatwaves. With all games through the 6th already cancelled, attention now turns to whether weekend matches will resume.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) cancelled all KBO League games scheduled for the 5th and 6th across five stadiums nationwide. It also cancelled all Futures League games.

This marks the first time since the KBO League's inception that the league has been suspended, following the early conclusion of the first half in July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As record-breaking heatwaves engulf not only Korea but the entire world, the KBO League is also facing a period of change. Already this season alone, 15 games—the highest number ever—have been cancelled due to extreme heat.

The KBO has first established detailed operational criteria for games based on heatwave warning levels.

The KBO stated, "Game delays or cancellations will be decided in accordance with the Korea Meteorological Administration's criteria for issuing heatwave special warnings."

A heatwave advisory is issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature of 33℃ or higher is expected to persist for two days or more. A heatwave warning is issued under similar conditions when the daily maximum apparent temperature reaches 35℃ or higher.

Furthermore, the KBO announced that if a heatwave warning or higher is in effect in the region where the stadium is located, game delays of up to one hour may be permitted, reflecting the home team's opinion.

A heatwave major warning is issued when the daily maximum apparent temperature is expected to reach 38℃ or the daily maximum air temperature reaches 39℃ or higher.

The KBO conveyed that if a heatwave major warning is in effect, game cancellations can be decided by 1 p.m. on the day of the scheduled match.

As of 1 p.m. on the 6th, Jamsil Stadium is forecasted to reach 37℃ at both 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. At Suwon KT Wiz Park, temperatures are expected to drop from 37℃ at 5 p.m. to 35℃ at 6 p.m.

Seoul has already had a heatwave major warning in effect since 11 a.m. on the 4th. On that day, Seoul was under a heatwave major warning while Suwon City was under a heatwave warning. Under these conditions, according to KBO regulations, Jamsil Stadium could be cancelled while Suwon could proceed with a delayed start.

Immediate attention is focused on whether games will be held tomorrow (the 7th).

From the 7th through the 9th, games are scheduled at five stadiums: Jamsil Stadium (LG Twins vs. KIA Tigers), Suwon KT Wiz Park (Lotte Giants vs. KT Wiz), Daegu Samsung Lions Park (Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions), Changwon NC Park (SSG Landers vs. NC Dinos), and Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park (Kiwoom Heroes vs. Hanwha Eagles).

According to forecasts from the Korea Meteorological Administration, the expected temperature in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul at 6 p.m. on the 7th is 36℃. The expected temperature in Joyeon-dong, Jungang-gu, Suwon City, where KT Wiz Park is located, is also 36℃. Both locations are forecasted to reach 38℃ by 5 p.m., then drop by 2 degrees.

Temperatures in provincial areas are expected to be lower than in the capital region. The expected temperature at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park at 6 p.m. on the 7th is 33℃. The expected temperature in Yangdeok-dong, Masan Hwawon-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do, where Changwon NC Park is located, is also 33℃. In Yeonho-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu, where Samsung Lions Park is located, the temperature is even lower at 32℃.

If a heatwave major warning is issued in Seoul as it was on the 6th, regulations would allow games to proceed at the other four stadiums besides Jamsil. As of 1 p.m. on the 6th, no heatwave major warnings were in effect in Daejeon, Daegu, or Changwon.

On the 4th, two spectators lost consciousness and were transported to a hospital during the match between SSG and LG at Incheon SSG Landers Field. The temperature at that time was 34.7℃.

The KBO held an emergency executive committee meeting on the 6th to formulate countermeasures. Immediate measures are being taken, but it appears long-term monitoring of the situation and development of solutions will also be necessary. If further discussion is deemed required, there is a possibility that the three-game series scheduled for this weekend could also be cancelled. The KBO stated, "We have requested all teams to ensure thorough heatwave preparedness by placing sufficient air conditioning equipment and beverages in player areas, regularly informing spectators of heatwave response measures via electronic scoreboards, and preparing medical support personnel and supplies for emergency situations."

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*This content was translated by AI.