South Korea Heatwave: Yangsan Hits Record 42.5C, Authorities Urge People To Stay Indoors
South Korea has registered its highest temperature since records began more than a century ago, as authorities urged people to "immediately" stop all outdoor activities in the worst affected areas.
South Korea has registered its highest temperature since records began more than a century ago, as authorities urged people to "immediately" stop all outdoor activities in the worst affected areas. The south eastern city of Yangsan saw the mercury reach 42.5C on Sunday afternoon, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said, marking the highest temperature reported since modern weather observation began in 1904.
Fifth Straight Day Of 40C Heat In Yangsan
Yangsan has been the epicentre of an ongoing heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40C for a fifth consecutive day on Sunday, while several other cities, including Daegu and Busan, saw temperatures climb into the high 30s. The city of Gyeongju, located about 240 km south east of Seoul, reached 40.3C on Sunday, its highest recorded temperature in eight years.Ā France Heatwave: Viral Videos Show Shoppers Rushing for Air Conditioners As Temperatures Soar.
Residents Rush To Cooling Spots
People gathered in air conditioned shopping malls and cafes to escape the blistering heat, while others sought relief under mist spray zones set up across Seoul.
Ju Dong-yeol, 27, who took refuge in a Starbucks in the South Korean capital along with his parents, told AFP, "it is too hot to be outside doing anything."
He added, "I can't think of anything else to do other than stay in airconditioned places like home, shopping malls and cafes."Ā UK Heatwave: Scores of Schools Closed in England and Wales As Met Office Red Weather Warning Takes Effect.
North Korea Also Grappling With Extreme Heat
North Korea has faced similarly punishing conditions, with temperatures soaring as high as 40C in some regions, state media reported on Monday. Residents in Pyongyang have endured a week of nights where temperatures have not dropped below 25C.
Emergency Alerts Issued Across The Country
More than 20 localities in South Korea were placed under emergency heatwave alerts on Sunday, a new warning category introduced this year to better address rising temperatures. An emergency alert is issued when areas experiencing a heatwave are forecast to hit perceived temperatures of 38C or an actual temperature of 39C for the day.
Issuing the heat warning, the weather agency urged people to "immediately stop all outdoor activities," adding that "indoor spaces without air conditioning are dangerous."
It further advised, "Move immediately to a cool place, such as a designated cooling centre or a shaded area, and stay hydrated while resting."
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has ordered local officials to strengthen safety checks on residents and ensure a stable power and water supply is maintained, amid concerns for those most vulnerable to the heat.
More Extreme Heat Expected As Winds Shift
Easterly winds are expected to push the extreme heat further inland on Monday, with Seoul forecast to reach 37C. The KMA said, "Temperatures in South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang are expected to exceed 39C, bringing extreme heat at life-threatening levels."
Officials are also closely monitoring Typhoon Dolphin, which is currently tracking towards China's south east coastal regions, south of the Korean peninsula, and could influence how long the extreme heat persists. According to the KMA, a shift of the typhoon towards eastern China could raise humidity and worsen the heatwave and tropical nights in Korea, while a path closer to the south of the peninsula could bring stronger winds, greater cloud cover and rain, offering temporary relief.
Heatwave Days Have Doubled In Five Years
KMA data shows the average annual number of heatwave days in the country has more than doubled to 19 over the past five years. A heatwave day is defined as one with a maximum temperature of at least 33C.
Baseball Match Called Off Amid Soaring Heat
South Korea's professional baseball league was forced to cancel a game in Changwon after the city's temperature climbed to 39.5C, marking the second consecutive game cancellation in the city.
The Korea Baseball Organization said in a statement, "The decision was made with the safety and health of spectators and players as the top priority, as a severe heatwave warning remains in effect for the Changwon area."
Climate Change And El Nino Adding To Extreme Weather
Scientists warn that extreme weather events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of human induced climate change. Adding to the extreme conditions is the return this year of El Nino, a natural climate phenomenon that warms Pacific Ocean surface temperatures and typically occurs every two to seven years.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 03, 2026 09:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
