SEOUL, Aug. 8 (Yonhap) -- Most parts of South Korea were forecast to be sweltering under an extreme heat wave, as blistering heat was expected to continue with daytime highs as high as 37 C, according to the state weather service Saturday.

Heavy rain of up to 100 millimeters is expected for parts of the east coast and mountainous regions of Gangwon Province, while the greater capital area and the central regions will also receive up to 40 mm of scattered showers from the afternoon, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

Temperatures are expected to temporarily ease in areas affected by the downpour, but the heat and humidity will return once the rain stops, it added.

Daytime highs were forecast at 26-37 C, with temperatures reaching up to 35 C in the Seoul metropolitan area and 36 C in the central city of Daejeon.

The Korea Road Traffic Authority said it will temporarily scale back or suspend driving tests amid the prolonged heat wave, citing concerns over heat-related illnesses among test takers and staff.

julesyi@yna.co.kr

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