A heat wave is sweeping the nation on the last day of August with temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celcius in most regions.

The mercury in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province on Wednesday soared to 34-and-a-half degrees Celsius. Milyang, South Gyeongsang Province saw the temperatures rise to over 34 degrees Celsius, Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province to 33-and-a-half degrees, and Seoul to 32-and-a-half degrees.

Heat advisories have been issued for inland areas of southern regions and Gyeonggi Province due to the continued heat.

The Korea Meteorological Administration said that the high atmospheric pressure as well as the sunny weather pushed up the temperatures.

The heat wave is expected to continue through Thursday, but the temperatures are likely to drop slightly as of Friday.