South Korea Hits 42.5°C—Record-Breaking Heatwave in Over a Century, Seoul Issues 'Extreme Heat Emergency Alert'

Yangsan City in southeastern South Korea recorded a scorching 42.5°C on August 2, breaking the country’s historical temperature record since the establishment of modern meteorological observation in 1904. The heatwave then spread westward, approaching Seoul Capital Area, home to over 9 million people. On August 4, Seoul issued its highest-level 'Extreme Heat Emergency Alert.' The South Korean government warned that indoor spaces without air conditioning are extremely dangerous and urged the public to immediately cease all outdoor activities.

According to data from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), Yangsan in Gyeongsangnam-do has seen temperatures exceed 40°C for five consecutive days, becoming the epicenter of the current heatwave. Geoje City also soared to 40.3°C on August 2, marking its highest temperature in eight years. On August 3, the nation’s highest temperature was recorded in Dalseong County at 41.2°C, while Guro District in Seoul reached 39°C. Seoul is expected to peak at 38°C on August 4, with temperatures remaining at a sweltering 37°C or higher for the next three days.

Statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency show that since February, 2,025 people have been hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses, with 16 fatalities. The KMA warned that easterly winds crossing mountain ranges are creating a strong 'foehn effect,' pushing temperatures above 39°C in Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, posing life-threatening conditions. Authorities urged the public: 'Immediately stop all outdoor activities. Indoor spaces without air conditioning are extremely dangerous—move to cooling centers or shaded areas and hydrate adequately.'

In response to the prolonged heat, Seoul held an emergency heat response meeting on August 3, formulating strategies for vulnerable populations, outdoor workers, and the general public. The city deployed 200 water-spraying trucks to cool major roads six times daily. Nursing teams were dispatched to conduct home health monitoring for 63,000 high-risk individuals, including the elderly, disabled, and chronic disease patients. In Gyeongsangbuk-do, drones equipped with loudspeakers and thermal imaging cameras conducted aerial patrols in tourist-heavy areas to broadcast disaster alerts.

With temperatures in Changwon reaching 39.5°C, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) canceled professional baseball games in the region for two consecutive days, stating, 'Based on the highest priority for spectator and player safety and health, we made this decision under continued severe heat warnings in Changwon.'

As reported by AFP, Seoul residents flocked to air-conditioned spaces like department stores, cafes, and underpasses along Cheonggyecheon Stream to escape the heat. Ju Dong-yeol (27), an office worker, brought his parents into a Starbucks, saying, 'It’s so hot outside you literally can’t do anything. Besides staying at home or in malls with AC, I can’t think of any other solution.'

The Korea Meteorological Administration analyzed that the record-breaking heatwave resulted from overlapping high-pressure systems over the Korean Peninsula and intense solar radiation due to clear skies. In southeastern regions like Gyeongsangnam-do, easterly winds crossing the Baekdu-daegan mountain range triggered a strong 'foehn effect,' drying and heating the air further after descending. Additionally, the resurgence of the global El Niño phenomenon is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather worldwide.