Home / Weather / South Korea Swelters: Record Heat Over 42.5C Sparks Alerts
South Korea Swelters: Record Heat Over 42.5C Sparks Alerts
3 Aug
Summary
- South Korea recorded its highest temperature at 42.5C.
- Indoor spaces without air conditioning are deemed dangerous.
- Extreme heat events are increasing due to climate change.
South Korea is currently grappling with a severe heatwave, as temperatures soared to a record high of 42.5C in Yangsan on Sunday, August 3rd, 2026. This marks the highest temperature recorded in the country since modern meteorological observations began in 1904. The city of Yangsan has endured consecutive days above 40C for five days straight.
Authorities have issued an emergency heatwave alert, a new warning category, urging the public to immediately stop all outdoor activities. Indoor locations lacking air conditioning are explicitly flagged as dangerous. Citizens are advised to seek refuge in designated cooling centers or shaded areas and to stay hydrated.
The frequency of heatwave days, defined as a maximum temperature of at least 33C, has more than doubled in South Korea over the past five years, averaging 19 days annually in the recent period. This intensification of extreme weather is linked by scientists to human-induced climate change, exacerbated this year by the natural El Niño phenomenon.
Consequences of the extreme heat are already evident, with the professional baseball league canceling games in Changwon due to temperatures reaching 39.5C. This decision prioritized the safety of players and spectators amidst the ongoing severe heatwave warning in the region.
