South Korea records historic heat: 42.5°C in Yangsan

South Korea’s Meteorological Administration recorded an air temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius in the city of Yangsan on Sunday, the highest reading since weather records began more than a century ago. The record was set at 1:26 p.m. local time (7:26 a.m. in Latvia). Yangsan, in the southeast of the country, is now the epicenter of the heat wave, with temperatures above 40 degrees for a fifth consecutive day on Sunday.

Heat warnings

More than 20 populated areas were placed under an extreme heat warning, a new category introduced this year. It is issued when the forecast feels-like temperature is 38 degrees or the actual air temperature is 39 degrees. Weather officials urged people to stop all outdoor activities immediately and said that rooms without air conditioning are dangerous.

Data from the meteorological service show that the average number of heat wave days in South Korea has more than doubled to 19 per year over the past five years, compared with eight days in the 1970s. A heat wave day is defined as a day when the maximum temperature reaches at least 33 degrees.

Climate context

Scientists warn that human-induced climate change is making extreme weather events such as heat waves more frequent and intense. This year, conditions are being amplified by the return of El Niño, a natural pattern that warms the surface of the Pacific Ocean and typically occurs every two to seven years.

Europe is also experiencing a sweltering summer, with prolonged heat waves in the south where temperatures have topped 40 degrees. Health alerts are in place, widespread wildfires have broken out, and people are advised to avoid outdoor activities in the afternoon. After sweeping through Western Europe early last week, the heat wave moved into Central Europe and reached Italy over the weekend. Italian authorities said that from Monday, the highest-level heat warning will be in effect in nearly all major cities.