Yangsan Hits Unprecedented 42.5 Degrees, Breaking 122-Year Weather Record (Update)

Unprecedented Streak: Over 41 Degrees Celsius for Three Consecutive Days

"Disaster-Level Extreme Heat" Spreads Nationwide

The daytime high in Yangsan, Gyeongnam exceeded 42 degrees Celsius, rewriting South Korea’s climate history since weather observations began in 1904. For three consecutive days, nationwide all-time high temperatures have been broken, and this is the first time that the Korean Peninsula has ever recorded a temperature above 42 degrees Celsius, either officially or unofficially.

On the afternoon of the 31st of last month, citizens were playing in the water at the fountain of Yangsan Water Park in Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan City. Photo by Yonhap News.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on August 2, at approximately 1:26 p.m. that day, the daytime high in Yangsan, Gyeongnam soared to 42.5 degrees Celsius. This not only surpassed the previous all-time high (41.6 degrees Celsius) set just a day earlier by 0.9 degrees, but also marked the highest temperature in Yangsan since records began in 2008. Among the 97 nationwide climate observation points managed for official rankings by the Korea Meteorological Administration, this is the highest value in 122 years of meteorological observations.

With this, Yangsan set unprecedented records by breaking the all-time high temperature for three consecutive days: 41.4 degrees Celsius on July 31, 41.6 degrees on August 1, and 42.5 degrees on August 2. The previous record, set in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province on August 1, 2018 (41.0 degrees Celsius), has been far surpassed. Even when including unofficial readings from Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Yangsan is the first in history to break through the previous unofficial highs of Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province (41.9 degrees Celsius), and Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (41.8 degrees Celsius), both recorded in August 2018.

Amid the intensifying heat wave, a severe heat wave warning has been issued for four areas: Gyeongsan and northern Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province, as well as central Daegu and southern Dalseong County. Heat wave alerts remain in effect for most regions across the country, including Seoul, with midday perceived temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius, pushing the risk of heat-related illnesses to its peak.

An official from the Korea Meteorological Administration stated, "For the time being, the maximum perceived temperature in most regions nationwide will hover around 35 degrees Celsius, and the heat will continue," and urged, "The risk of heat-related illnesses is extremely high, so please minimize outdoor activities and take special care to protect your health."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.