Seoul, South Korea – South Korea has registered its highest temperature since records began more than a century ago, as authorities warned people to "immediately" stop all outdoor activities in affected areas as the country endures a historic heatwave.
The south-eastern city of Yangsan saw the temperature reach 42.5C on Sunday afternoon, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said, the highest temperature reported since modern weather observation began in 1904.
Yangsan has been the centre of an ongoing heatwave, where temperatures exceeded 40C for a fifth consecutive day on Sunday, while many other cities including Daegu and Busan are seeing temperatures climb into the high 30s.
Key developments:
- Record temperature: 42.5°C in Yangsan, highest since 1904
- Fifth consecutive day: Yangsan exceeding 40°C
- Emergency alerts: More than 20 localities under emergency heatwave alerts
- Authorities warn: "Immediately stop all outdoor activities"
- Indoor danger: Spaces without air conditioning are "dangerous"
- Baseball cancelled: KBO cancels game in Changwon at 39.5°C
- Heatwave days doubled: Average from 19 days in past five years
- El Niño return: Natural climate phenomenon worsening extreme heat
- Citizens seek refuge: Airconditioned malls and cafes crowded
- Climate change: Scientists warn extreme events becoming more frequent
People gathered in airconditioned shopping malls or cafes to escape the blistering temperatures. Ju Dong-yeol, 27, took refuge from the heat in a Starbucks in Seoul along with his parents and told AFP "it is too hot to be outside doing anything".
"I can't think of anything else to do other than stay in airconditioned places like home, shopping malls and cafes," the office worker said.
Emergency Heatwave Alerts
More than 20 localities were under emergency heatwave alerts on Sunday – 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 38C or an actual temperature of 39C for the day.
Issuing a heat warning, the weather agency urged people to "immediately stop all outdoor activities", adding that "indoor spaces without air conditioning are dangerous".
"Move immediately to a cool place, such as a designated cooling centre or a shaded area, and stay hydrated while resting," it advised.
KMA Data Shows Alarming Trend
KMA data show the average annual number of heatwave days in the country has more than doubled to 19 in the past five years.
A heatwave day is defined as one with a maximum temperature of at least 33C.
Baseball Game Cancelled
South Korea's professional baseball league was forced to cancel one game in Changwon after the city's temperature climbed to 39.5C, marking the second consecutive game cancellation in the city.
"The decision was made with the safety and health of spectators and players as the top priority, as a severe heatwave warning remains in effect for the Changwon area," said the Korea Baseball Organization in a statement.
Climate Change and El Niño
Scientists warn that extreme weather events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of human-induced climate change.
Adding to the extreme weather is the return this year of El Niño – a natural climate phenomenon that warms Pacific Ocean surface temperatures and typically occurs every two to seven years.
🌡️ The Big Picture
South Korea is baking in its most intense heatwave on record, with temperatures soaring to 42.5°C in Yangsan – the highest since modern weather observation began in 1904. The south-eastern city has now seen five consecutive days above 40°C, while more than 20 localities are under emergency heatwave alerts. Authorities have urged citizens to "immediately stop all outdoor activities" and warned that indoor spaces without air conditioning are "dangerous". The extreme heat has forced the cancellation of professional baseball games and driven people to seek refuge in airconditioned malls and cafes. The heatwave follows a decade-long trend of rising temperatures in South Korea, with heatwave days more than doubling in the past five years as climate change and El Niño compound the crisis.
What's Next
Key developments to watch:
- Heatwave duration: Forecasts for when temperatures may cool
- Emergency response: Government measures to protect vulnerable populations
- Power demand: Strain on electricity grid from air conditioning use
- Agricultural impact: Damage to crops and livestock
- Climate policy: Potential acceleration of climate action plans
🌡️ For more breaking climate news and updates: Visit NewsOrbit – World Breaking News for the latest headlines from around the globe.
