Key Facts
- Highest temperature
- 42.5°C in Yangsan on August 2, highest in 122 years
- Deaths
- 14 people died since mid-May
- Heat-related illnesses
- 1,889 people affected since mid-May
- Heatwave alert level
- Second-highest level in South Korea
- North Korea conditions
- Temperatures near 40°C, five consecutive tropical nights in Pyongyang
- First-ever warning
- Severe heatwave warning issued for parts of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province
Background
A record-breaking heatwave is affecting the Korean Peninsula, with extremely high temperatures reported across South Korea and North Korea. The Korea Meteorological Administration said the city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5°C on August 2, the highest ever measured in 122 years of weather records. The city had already broken national temperature records on the two previous days.
Weather officials said on August 3 that the intense heat, which was earlier focused in the southeast of South Korea, is now spreading to the Seoul metropolitan area and western parts of the country. North Korean state media also reported temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius in some areas and said that Pyongyang has experienced five consecutive tropical nights, when temperatures remain high even after sunset.
Current Situation
South Korea's weather agency warned that temperatures in western regions could rise even further in the coming days. It also said the heatwave and hot nights are expected to continue. The weather agency issued its first-ever severe heatwave warning for parts of Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi Province. The highest-level heat alerts are also in place across southern regions, including Busan, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang, and parts of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province.
Figures released on August 2 by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency showed that since mid-May, 14 people have died and 1,889 others have suffered illnesses linked to the heat. Prime Minister Han Seong-sook instructed government departments and local authorities to use all available resources to address the risks posed by extreme heat and potential drought. The government has raised its heatwave alert to the second-highest level, which allows extra funding for relief measures and more frequent safety checks in affected areas.
Electricity authorities have put emergency plans into effect and are closely monitoring supply and demand, as power demand is expected to hit a record high later in August due to heavy air-conditioning use. North Korean state media reported that heat warnings covering most parts of the country will remain in place throughout the week. It also said tens of thousands of people visited the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in July.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest temperature in Yangsan | 42.5°C |
| Temperature record period | 122 years |
| Deaths since mid-May | 14 |
| Heat-related illnesses since mid-May | 1,889 |
| Consecutive tropical nights in Pyongyang | 5 |
| Temperature in North Korea areas | Near 40°C |
Impacts
Local governments are taking steps to protect people who are most at risk. Districts in Seoul have opened more cooling centers and are giving out free water and umbrellas. In Yangsan, authorities have increased water-spraying operations and are distributing more drinking water.
The extreme heat has begun to affect daily life. Over the weekend, the Korea Baseball Organization canceled games in Busan and Changwon and said it may change additional schedules if dangerous conditions persist. Local reports said beaches, water parks, and riverside areas are crowded with people trying to escape the heat.
At Seoul's Cheonggyecheon stream, where a summer water festival is taking place with shallow pools and splash areas, families gathered to cool down. "Forty degrees is not a number we used to see in Korea, but now it feels like we see it all the time," said Park Jin-woo, 39, who had brought his children there. Another Seoul resident said the heat has made parasols essential rather than just a style statement, adding that people can now directly feel the effects of climate change in their daily lives. According to state television, water parks in Pyongyang are also full as people seek ways to stay cool.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the heatwave persists, power demand could reach a record high later in August, straining electricity supply and demand management. Authorities have already put emergency plans into effect, but sustained high temperatures may require additional measures.
Should temperatures continue to rise in western regions as warned, more areas could see severe heatwave warnings, potentially leading to further cancellations of public events and sports games. The Korea Baseball Organization has indicated it may adjust schedules if dangerous conditions persist.
The situation may improve if weather patterns shift, but the Korea Meteorological Administration has stated that the heatwave and hot nights are expected to continue in the coming days. The full impact on public health and daily life will depend on how long the extreme conditions last.
Source: coloradostar.com
