South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since weather observations began more than a century ago. The southeastern city of Yangsan reached 42.5°C on Sunday, setting a new national record as an intense heatwave continued across the country.
The extreme temperature highlights the severity of this year’s summer conditions. Moreover, authorities have expanded emergency heat alerts as unusually high temperatures persist in several regions.
Yangsan Records Historic Temperature
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Yangsan recorded 42.5°C at 1:26 p.m. local time.
The city has remained the centre of the ongoing heatwave. In fact, temperatures there have exceeded 40°C for five consecutive days.
Meanwhile, many other parts of South Korea also experienced extremely hot conditions. Several cities recorded temperatures in the high 30s as the heatwave continued to spread.
Emergency Heat Alerts Expanded
Authorities have placed much of the country under heat warnings.
Additionally, more than 20 localities were under emergency heatwave alerts on Sunday. This warning category was introduced earlier this year to improve responses to increasingly dangerous temperatures.
An emergency heat alert is issued when forecast conditions indicate a perceived temperature of 38°C or an actual temperature of 39°C for at least one day.
Officials continue to monitor weather conditions as the prolonged heatwave affects communities across the country.
Heatwaves Becoming More Frequent
Recent weather data indicate that South Korea is experiencing heatwaves more often than in previous decades.
According to official figures, the country’s average annual number of heatwave days has increased from eight days in the 1970s to 19 days over the past five years.
A heatwave day is defined as one when the maximum temperature reaches 33°C or higher.
Similarly, a tropical night occurs when overnight temperatures remain at 25°C or above, providing little relief from daytime heat.
Climate Change Raises Concerns
Scientists have repeatedly warned that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more intense.
They say human-induced climate change is increasing the likelihood of prolonged heatwaves, record-breaking temperatures and other severe weather conditions.
As South Korea experiences its hottest temperature on record, authorities continue monitoring the situation while urging the public to remain cautious during the extreme heat.
