South Korea records highest temperature in 122 years as Yangsan hits 42.5°C
Authorities issued the first severe heatwave warning for Seoul and urged residents to halt outdoor activities, with nearly 300 hospitalised and 14 dead since mid-May.
The south-eastern city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5°C on Sunday, August 2, the highest since modern weather observations began in 1904, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. The national record had already been broken on the two preceding days, as a blistering heatwave gripped the Korean peninsula.
Health authorities reported nearly 300 people hospitalised in recent days. Cumulative data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency showed 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses since mid-May. The extreme heat, previously concentrated in the south-east, spread into the Seoul metropolitan area and western regions on Monday. The KMA issued its first “severe heatwave warning” for the capital under a new system introduced this year, with more than 20 localities placed under emergency alerts. The warning urged residents to immediately stop all outdoor activities and move to air-conditioned spaces or designated cooling shelters.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered ministries and local governments to mobilise all available resources to respond to heatwave and drought risks, after the government raised its heatwave response alert to the second-highest level. Power authorities activated emergency measures as electricity consumption was expected to reach a record high. The heat forced the cancellation of professional baseball games in Changwon and Busan. In Seoul, residents sought refuge in air-conditioned shopping malls and cafes, and mist-spray zones were crowded.
Scientists warn that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-induced climate change, with the return of the El Niño phenomenon this year exacerbating conditions. North Korea also reported temperatures approaching 40°C and a fifth consecutive tropical night in Pyongyang. The KMA warned that temperatures could rise further in western regions this week, with Seoul forecast to reach 37°C on Monday. The path of Typhoon Dolphin, tracking towards China’s south-east coast, could influence how long the stifling heat persists.
| Atlantic / Anglosphere press | 0.00 | neutral |
|---|---|---|
| Israeli press | 0.00 | neutral |
| Southeast Asian press | 0.00 | neutral |
| Iranian & allied press | 0.00 | neutral |
South Korean authorities and Japan's meteorological agency speak in one voice: the heat is unprecedented and demands immediate action.
It links the severity of the heatwave to a newly coined Japanese term and an impact on earthquake rescue, creating a chain of emergencies that amplifies the perception of crisis.
It does not mention that North Korea is also affected, limiting the geographic scope to South Korea and Japan.
The Korean peninsula as a whole faces the climate challenge, with authorities and population united in response.
It describes the heatwave as affecting both Koreas, normalizing the North Korean situation without highlighting political differences, and imparting a sense of shared responsibility.
It does not provide details on specific conditions in North Korea or on any limitations of local infrastructure.
South Korean weather and health authorities introduce a new alert level and report the number of hospitalizations to justify the severity of the measure.
It uses the nearly 300 hospitalizations and the introduction of a new warning system to objectify the urgency and justify restrictions on outdoor activities.
It omits the Japanese and North Korean context, focusing solely on South Korea and the new system.
East Asia faces an unprecedented challenge, with South Korea and Japan reacting in a coordinated manner.
It presents the event as a regional issue, juxtaposing the reactions of the two countries to suggest a common threat and shared response, without delving into local details.
It does not mention North Korea or the specific impact on populations, limiting itself to a general overview.
Broaden your view
Iran and Oman finalise Hormuz shipping route deal, reopening hinges on US
1 language · 47 outlets
From Economy & MarketsOil majors post bumper Q2 profits as Iran conflict drives price surge
2 languages · 21 outlets
From TechnologyApple briefly removes Telegram from App Store over child abuse content
3 languages · 27 outlets