{
  "id": 70787,
  "title": "Koreans told to stop all outdoor activities as heat hits record high",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/koreans-told-to-stop-all-outdoor-activities-as-heat-hits-record-high",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-03T05:08:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-03/south-korea-heatwave-hottest-day-on-record/106989934"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Korea is urging residents to cease all outdoor activities as temperatures surge to an all-time high, with Yangsan recording a scorching 42.5 degrees Celsius. The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued emergency heatwave alerts for over 20 localities, marking a new warning category introduced this year. This extreme heat has hindered earthquake rescue efforts and prompted the cancellation of baseball games due to safety concerns. Japan, too, has coined a new term, \"kokushobi,\" for days exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, which also impacted rescue operations following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of such heatwaves to human-induced climate change, while El Nino's return exacerbates the situation. European countries are also grappling with severe heatwaves, prompting health warnings and urging citizens to avoid outdoor activities.",
  "summary": "Authorities in South Korea have warned residents to immediately stop all outdoor activities amid an extreme heatwave.",
  "key_points": [
    "South Korea bans outdoor activities due to 42.5°C heat",
    "Korea Meteorological Administration issues emergency heatwave alerts",
    "Climate change and El Nino contribute to extreme heat"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}