South Korea Records Its Highest Ever Temperature
South Korea recorded its highest temperature since modern observations began in 1904, with the city of Yangsan reaching 42.5C as temperatures exceeded 40C for a fifth consecutive day. Authorities warned residents to "immediately stop all outdoor activities." The Guardian reports: More than 20 localities in South Korea were under emergency heatwave alerts on Sunday -- a new warning category…
South Korea has set a new record for the highest temperature ever recorded since observations began in 1904, with the city of Yangsan hitting an alarming 42.5C. This temperature has been above 40C for five straight days, prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings to residents. The Guardian reports that over 20 locations in the country are currently under an emergency heatwave alert, a new category introduced this year to tackle the increasing temperatures.
The weather agency has classified an alert as necessary when areas are predicted to reach perceived temperatures of 38C or an actual temperature of 39C. The Korean government has responded to the heatwave by urging people to cease all outdoor activities and seek refuge in cool areas, whether it be a designated cooling center or a shaded spot.
The prime minister, Han Seong-sook, has also ordered local officials to intensify safety checks and ensure a reliable power and water supply to cope with the extreme heat. Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) data reveals that the average annual number of heatwave days in South Korea has more than doubled in the last five years, highlighting the escalating threat of heatwaves in the region.
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