The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that on Sunday, temperatures in Yangsan, a city in South Gyeongsang Province in the country's southeast, surged to 42.5 degrees Celsius, setting a new all-time high.
According to the KMA, this figure surpasses all previously recorded highs, as a fierce heatwave continues to grip South Korea. Yangsan, located near the Nakdong River estuary, often experiences elevated temperatures due to its sheltered geography and heat accumulation from nearby industrial zones.
Meteorologists warn that the scorching conditions may persist in the coming days as a Pacific high-pressure system remains in place and pushes temperatures even higher. Local health authorities are advising residents, particularly the elderly and children, to limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours and stay well-hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The previous record for South Korea was 41 degrees Celsius, set in Hongcheon in 2018, during a severe heatwave that claimed dozens of lives due to heat-related causes.
