Full Breakdown
South Korea Endures Record-Breaking Heatwave as Temperatures Hit 42.5 °C
8/3/2026, 11:21:45 AM
Record Temperatures Across the Peninsula
On August 3, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) recorded 42.5 °C (108.5 °F) in Yangsan, the highest temperature in 122 years of observations. It was the fifth consecutive day Yangsan exceeded 40 °C. Nearby Daegu and Busan saw highs in the high-30s, and more than 20 localities were placed under the new “emergency heatwave alert,” triggered when forecasts predict a perceived temperature of at least 38 °C or an actual temperature of 39 °C. North Korean state media reported temperatures approaching 40 °C and a fifth straight tropical night in Pyongyang.
Background & Context
South Korea defines a heatwave day as a maximum of at least 33 °C. KMA data show the average annual number of heatwave days has more than doubled to 19 in the past five years, compared with eight days in the 1970s. Scientists link the increasing frequency and intensity of such extremes to human-driven climate change.
Data & Statistics
- Temperature: 42.5 °C in Yangsan (KMA).
- Heatwave duration: 5 consecutive days above 40 °C in Yangsan.
- Emergency alerts: >20 localities under the new alert category.
- Health impacts: Around 1,800 heat-related illness cases and 13-14 deaths reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency since mid-May.
- Agricultural stress: Reservoir levels in South Gyeongsang fell from 52.9 % to 41.7 % within a month, with some dropping below 2 % of capacity.
- Livestock losses: Thousands of pigs and chickens died across North Gyeongsang, South Chungcheong and Gwangju.
- Sports disruption: The Korea Baseball Organization cancelled a game in Changwon after temperatures reached 39.5 °C.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered ministries and local governments to mobilise resources, strengthen safety checks, and maintain stable power and water supplies. The government raised its heatwave response alert to the second-highest level, unlocking funding for relief and more frequent inspections. Power authorities warned electricity consumption could hit a record high in late August. Seoul districts expanded cooling shelters and distributed free water, while Yangsan increased water-spraying operations.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents sought refuge in air-conditioned malls, cafés and mist-spray zones. Cooling fog systems were installed along walking paths in Boryeong County, and “mobile summer shelter buses” in Daegu provided air-conditioned rest areas daily.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The decision was made with the safety and health of spectators and players as the top priority, as a severe heatwave warning remains in effect for the Changwon area,” — the Korea Baseball Organization
- “I thought it would be a bit cooler since it's Busan, but the sand was so hot it was hard to even stand on it,” — Busan visitor
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Health impact figures differ between sources: the KDCA reported 1,889 cases and 14 deaths, while another tally listed 1,781 cases and 13 deaths for the same period. No additional clarification has been provided.
What’s Next
The KMA warned temperatures could rise further in western regions later this week. Meteorologists noted that Typhoon Dolphin, now tracking toward China’s southeast coast, could either increase humidity and prolong the heatwave if it moves eastward, or bring cloud cover and rain that might temporarily ease conditions if it passes south of the peninsula. Power authorities expect electricity demand to peak in late August, and the emergency heatwave alert remains in effect through the end of the month.
