- A record heatwave is gripping the Korean peninsula, sending temperatures soaring across South Korea and North Korea as authorities expand emergency measures and residents seek relief in cooling shelters, beaches and water parks.
- The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Yangsan recorded 42.5 C on Sunday, the highest temperature measured in 122 years of weather observations; the southeastern city had the national record on the two preceding days.
- The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that 14 people had died and 1,889 had suffered heat-related illnesses since mid-May.
- Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered ministries and local governments to mobilise all available resources after the government raised its heatwave alert to the second-highest level, unlocking funding for relief efforts and more frequent inspections.
- Severe heatwave warnings were issued across parts of southern South Korea, including Busan, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang, and parts of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province; local governments expanded cooling shelters, water-spraying operations, and free water distribution, while the Korea Baseball Organization cancelled games in Busan and Changwon.
- Forecasters said extreme heat was spreading into the Seoul metropolitan area and other western regions from the southeast, while South Korea's weather agency warned temperatures could rise further in western regions this week.
- Power authorities have activated emergency measures and are monitoring supply and demand as electricity consumption is expected to reach a record high in late August amid surging air-conditioning use.
- In North Korea, state media reported temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and a fifth straight tropical night in Pyongyang; heat advisories covering much of the country would remain through the week, tens of thousands visited the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in July, and Pyongyang water parks were packed.
A record heatwave is currently affecting the Korean peninsula, with temperatures reaching 42.5°C in Yangsan, marking the highest recorded temperature in 122 years. The Korea Meteorological Administration warns that extreme heat is spreading from the southeast into the Seoul metropolitan area and other western regions.123
As the heatwave intensifies, South Korea has raised its heat response alert to the second-highest level, allowing for the mobilization of resources to combat the effects of the heat. Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has ordered local governments to implement emergency measures, including the expansion of cooling shelters and distribution of free water and sun umbrellas to vulnerable populations.5678
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that since mid-May, 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses have been recorded. In response, power authorities are closely monitoring electricity consumption, which is expected to reach record highs due to increased air-conditioning use.411
Severe heat warnings are in effect across southern regions, including Busan and Ulsan, while North Korea is also experiencing extreme temperatures, with reports of 40°C in parts of the country. State media noted that heat advisories would remain in place throughout the week, as thousands flock to coastal tourist zones and water parks for relief.
“KMA said Yangsan hit 42.5 C on Sunday, the highest reading in 122 years; since mid-May, 14 people have died and 1,889 have suffered heat-related illnesses. North Korean state media reported a fifth straight tropical night in Pyongyang and temperatures near 40 C; heat advisories cover much of the country this week.”
