South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since modern weather observations began more than a century ago, as an intense heatwave continues to grip the country.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the southeastern city of Yangsan reached 42.5°C at 1:26 pm local time (9:26 am PKT) on Sunday, setting a new national temperature record.
Yangsan has emerged as the epicentre of the prolonged heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 40°C for the fifth consecutive day. Much of the country remains under heat warnings as daytime temperatures continue to hover in the upper 30s across several major cities.
In response to the worsening conditions, South Korean authorities have placed more than 20 regions under emergency heatwave alerts, a new warning category introduced this year to improve preparedness for increasingly severe heat events. The alert is triggered when the perceived temperature is forecast to reach 38°C or the actual air temperature is expected to hit 39°C for at least one day.
The scorching weather has raised concerns over heat-related illnesses, prompting authorities to urge residents, especially the elderly, children, and outdoor workers, to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, and use cooling shelters where available.
KMA data indicate that the country’s average annual number of heatwave days has more than doubled—from eight days in the 1970s to 19 days over the past five years. The agency defines a heatwave day as one with a maximum temperature of at least 33°C, while a tropical night occurs when overnight temperatures remain at or above 25°C.
Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that human-induced climate change is making extreme weather events, including heatwaves, more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense across the globe.