The temperature in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, soared to 41.4 degrees Celsius, setting a new record in South Korea's meteorological history. This extreme heat has persisted for three consecutive days, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees at 97 climate observation points across the country.
According to Yonhap News and the Korea Meteorological Administration, the temperature in Yangsan reached 41.4 degrees at approximately 1:40 PM on July 31. This marks the highest temperature recorded since weather observations began in Yangsan on December 26, 2008.
Notably, this temperature is the highest ever recorded in South Korea based on the 97 official climate observation points. The previous record was 41.0 degrees, set in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, on August 1, 2018, during what was dubbed the worst heat wave of the 21st century.
Even when including data from Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), there have been few instances of higher temperatures than Yangsan's on this day. Since 1973, only three other locations have recorded higher temperatures: 41.9 degrees in Jiwol-ri, Gwangju, on August 1, 2018; 41.8 degrees in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, on the same day; and 41.6 degrees in Geumsam-myeon, Yeoju, on August 4, 2024.
Yangsan has already experienced an unusual heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees for three consecutive days starting July 29. The maximum temperatures were 40.3 degrees on both July 29 and 30, leading to the rise to 41.4 degrees on July 31.
The time at which temperatures first reached 40 degrees is also occurring earlier each day. On July 29, it was recorded at 3:30 PM, on July 30 at 1:10 PM, and on July 31 at 12:36 PM. This indicates that the extreme heat is intensifying, with higher temperatures occurring earlier in the day.
This is only the third instance since 1973 of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees for three consecutive days in South Korea. Previously, Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, recorded three consecutive days above 40 degrees from August 1 to 3, 2018, and Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, recorded four consecutive days above 40 degrees from August 1 to 4, 2018.
The extreme heat is not limited to Yangsan. As of 1 PM on the same day, AWS observations showed temperatures of 38.9 degrees in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 38.7 degrees in Buk-gu, Busan, and 38.2 degrees in both Uiryeong and Gimhae, indicating record-breaking heat across the entire Gyeongnam region.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that the heat wave will continue, with maximum perceived temperatures expected to reach around 35 degrees in most areas nationwide.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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