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South Korea recorded its highest temperature since records began more than a century ago on Sunday, as authorities issued emergency heatwave warnings and urged residents to avoid outdoor activities.
The southeastern city of Yangsan reached 42.5C at 1:26 p.m. local time (0426 GMT), according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
Yangsan has been at the centre of the heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40C for a fifth consecutive day. Other cities, including Daegu and Busan, recorded temperatures in the high 30s.
More than 20 areas were under emergency heatwave alerts on Sunday, a new warning category introduced this year to address rising temperatures.
The weather agency urged people in affected areas to immediately stop outdoor activities and warned that indoor spaces without air conditioning could also be dangerous. It advised residents to move to cooling centres or shaded areas, rest and stay hydrated.
Many people sought relief in air-conditioned shopping malls and cafes. In Seoul, 27-year-old office worker Ju Dong-yeol said the heat had made staying indoors the only practical option.
KMA data show that South Korea’s average number of heatwave days has more than doubled to 19 annually over the past five years, compared with eight in the 1970s. A heatwave day is defined as one in which the maximum temperature reaches at least 33C.
South Korea’s professional baseball league also cancelled a game in Changwon after temperatures reached 39.5C, marking the second consecutive cancellation in the city.
The Korea Baseball Organisation said the decision was taken to protect the health and safety of players and spectators while a severe heatwave warning remained in effect.
“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 Organisation said in a statement.
Scientists say heatwaves and other extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense because of human-induced climate change.
The return of El Niño this year, a natural climate pattern that warms Pacific Ocean waters, is also contributing to unusual weather patterns.
Europe has also experienced intense summer heat, with temperatures exceeding 40C in parts of southern and central Europe. Authorities have issued health warnings, battled wildfires and urged people to limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours.
Italy is expected to place almost all of its major cities under its highest heat alert from Monday.
