On Sunday, South Korea logged its highest temperature since records began in 1904, reaching a sweltering 42.5 °C in Yangsan, located in the southeast near the major port city of Busan, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
This record temperature was reported at 1:26 PM local time, marking the fifth consecutive day that Yangsan has experienced temperatures exceeding 40 °C.
The new record occurs amidst a heat alert for most of the nation, which has a population of approximately 51 million. Many cities are reporting temperatures around 30 °C.
Heat Alert Raised to Maximum Level
Over twenty localities are now under extreme heat alerts. During such alerts, the KMA strongly advises against all outdoor activities, including work and sports, whenever possible.
This maximum weather alert is a new level established this year in response to extreme events related to climate change, initially triggered on July 12.
The maximum alert is issued when an area experiences a heat index of at least 35 °C for two consecutive days, accompanied by forecasts predicting temperatures over 39 °C for at least one day.
Increase in Heatwave Days
Additionally, 157 cities are currently under heatwave alerts, as reported by KMA.
The KMA noted that the average annual number of heatwave days in South Korea has increased from eight in the 1970s to 19 in the last five years.
A day is classified as a ‘heatwave’ when the maximum temperature reaches at least 33 °C.
Globally, heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change, primarily driven by the burning of coal, oil, and gas. Scientists warn that these increasingly common episodes pose serious risks to public health and the economy, necessitating adaptations in infrastructure.
