South Korea Records Highest-Ever Temperature of 42.5 Degrees Celsius

South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since modern weather observations began more than a century ago, as an intense heatwave continues to grip large parts of the country. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the southeastern city of Yangsan registered a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius at 1:26 pm local time on Sunday, setting a new national record. The milestone comes amid prolonged extreme heat that has prompted authorities to issue emergency warnings across several regions.

Yangsan has emerged as the epicentre of the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for the fifth consecutive day. Much of South Korea remains under heat advisories, with many cities experiencing daytime temperatures in the upper 30s. In response to the worsening conditions, more than 20 localities were placed under emergency heatwave alerts, a warning category introduced this year to better prepare for increasingly severe weather events.

Under the revised alert system, an emergency heatwave warning is issued when an area is expected to record an actual temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or a perceived temperature of 38 degrees Celsius for at least one day. The measure is intended to help local authorities respond more effectively to prolonged periods of extreme heat by improving public awareness and strengthening emergency preparedness.

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Official data from the Korea Meteorological Administration indicates that heatwaves have become significantly more frequent in recent decades. The average annual number of heatwave days has increased from around eight days in the 1970s to 19 days over the past five years. A heatwave day is defined as one in which the maximum daytime temperature reaches at least 33 degrees Celsius, while a tropical night occurs when overnight temperatures remain at or above 25 degrees Celsius.

The prolonged spell of hot weather has raised concerns about public health, energy demand and the impact on vulnerable populations. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Emergency services and local governments are also monitoring conditions closely as the record-breaking temperatures continue.

Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that extreme weather events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense due to human-induced climate change. The latest temperature record in South Korea adds to a growing list of countries experiencing unprecedented heat in recent years, highlighting the increasing challenges posed by rising global temperatures and the need for stronger climate adaptation and resilience measures.

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