South Korea has recorded its hottest temperature in more than a century, marking a historic moment as extreme heat continues to impact communities across the country.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the southeastern city of Yangsan recorded a staggering 42.5°C on Sunday afternoon, the highest temperature documented since national weather records began over 120 years ago.
Yangsan has become the centre of the country’s ongoing heatwave, experiencing temperatures above 40°C for five consecutive days. Residents have been facing intense heat, with much of South Korea placed under heat warnings as temperatures climbed into the high 30°C range across many regions.
More than 20 areas were placed under emergency heatwave alerts, a new warning system introduced to help authorities respond more effectively to increasingly dangerous weather conditions.
The emergency alert is activated when regions are expected to experience a perceived temperature of 38°C or an actual temperature of 39°C for at least one day, highlighting the seriousness of the current climate conditions.
The latest figures reflect a worrying trend. Data from the Korea Meteorological Administration shows that South Korea’s average number of heatwave days has more than doubled in recent years, increasing from around eight days annually in the 1970s to approximately 19 days over the past five years.
A heatwave day is classified as a day when the maximum temperature reaches 33°C or higher, while a tropical night occurs when nighttime temperatures remain above 25°C, preventing people from getting relief from the heat.
For many South Koreans, this record-breaking heat is more than just a weather event. It is a reminder of how quickly environmental conditions are changing and how communities around the world are being forced to adapt to more frequent and intense climate challenges.
Scientists continue to warn that extreme weather events, including prolonged heatwaves, are becoming more common and severe due to human-driven climate change. The rising temperatures serve as a global wake-up call for stronger climate action, sustainable living, and greater awareness about protecting the planet for future generations.
As countries experience record-breaking temperatures one after another, the question is no longer only about surviving today’s heat but preparing for the climate realities of tomorrow.
