South Korea is currently in the grips of a severe heat wave, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels. Yangsan, Gyeongnam, recorded a high of 41.6°C (106.9°F) on August 1st, breaking previous national records. This marks the highest temperature ever recorded in the country since modern meteorological observations began in 1904. The heat wave in Yangsan has seen daytime highs exceeding 40°C for four consecutive days since July 29th. Other areas also reported extreme temperatures, such as Gimhae at 40.6°C and Busan's Geumjeong-gu at 40.5°C.
The intense heat has led to a significant increase in heat-related illnesses across the country. As of July 31st, 1,781 heat-related illnesses and 13 deaths have been reported since May 15th. The Korea Disease Control Agency (KDCA) has issued a "Level 4" risk warning, indicating "significant damage expected," which is projected to remain in effect until August 4th. Gyeonggi Province has the highest cumulative number of patients with 372, followed by North Gyeongsang with 182, and the Gyeongsang region (combining North and South Gyeongsang) totals 343 patients. Notably, Gyeongnam now surpasses Seoul in cumulative heat-related patients, despite having a population approximately one-third the size of Seoul's. The most common symptom reported is heat exhaustion, accounting for 61.0% of cases.
In response to the extreme conditions, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued severe heat wave warnings for vast areas, including parts of South Jeolla and the Gyeongsang regions. These warnings are triggered when temperatures are expected to exceed 38°C or 35°C for more than two days, respectively. The KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) has canceled professional baseball games in Busan and Changwon due to the heat wave. The KMA advises residents to take precautions such as frequent showering, wearing light clothing, seeking shade, and staying hydrated, while avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
