Key Takeaways
- South Korea recorded its highest temperature since records began at 42.5°C.
- The southeastern city of Yangsan experienced the extreme heat on Sunday afternoon.
- More than 20 localities were under emergency heatwave alerts.
South Korea has set a new record for its highest temperature, reaching an unprecedented 42.5°C in the southeastern city of Yangsan on Sunday afternoon. This marks the first time such a high temperature has been recorded since detailed weather records began more than a century ago.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that temperatures soared to this extreme level at 1:26pm local time, which corresponds to 9:26am Pakistan Standard Time. The city of Yangsan has been the epicentre of an ongoing heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for a fifth consecutive day.
Much of South Korea is currently under heat warnings as temperatures climb into the high 30°C range in many cities. Over 20 localities are now on emergency heatwave alerts, 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 38°C or an actual temperature of 39°C for one day.
Scientists warn that extreme weather events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-induced climate change. The KMA data show the average annual number of heatwave days in South Korea has more than doubled from eight in the 1970s to 19 over the past five years.
The heatwave is not just a local phenomenon; it reflects broader global trends. According to the KMA, a heatwave day is defined as one with a maximum temperature of at least 33°C, while a tropical night is when the overnight low remains 25°C or above. These conditions have been exacerbated by climate change, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves.
The extreme temperatures are causing significant discomfort for residents and pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Authorities are urging citizens to take necessary precautions, including staying indoors during peak hours and drinking plenty of fluids.
As South Korea continues to grapple with this unprecedented heatwave, experts are calling for increased awareness and preparedness. The government is working on developing more robust early warning systems and emergency response plans to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events.
