South Korea endures record heatwave as Yangsan hits 40°C

Yangsan 40°C South Korea heatwave drought water levels heat‑related deaths high‑pressure system

On July 29, 2026, Yangsan in South Korea recorded a temperature of 40.3 °C, the highest since observations began in 2008, surpassing an earlier record of 39.9 °C set the same day. Busan also reached a historic high of 38.6 °C, the strongest since 1904. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued extreme‑heat warnings for Yangsan, Uiryeong and Changnyeong, with heat‑index values projected above 38 °C, and most of the country placed under heat‑wave alerts as daytime highs approached 40 °C and nighttime lows stayed above 25 °C.

The heatwave, driven by a double high‑pressure system over the North Pacific and the Tibetan Plateau, has also produced severe drought conditions. Reservoir levels at Millyang Dam fell to 34.1% and water restrictions were imposed, while livestock deaths numbered in the thousands and three heat‑related human fatalities were reported in Gyeongsangnam‑do. Local authorities responded with health advisories and community support, including Daegu City Development Corporation providing 5 million won in cash and cooling equipment to vulnerable residents.

Forecasts predict the extreme temperatures will persist into early August, with continued warnings and heat‑related health risks across the peninsula.

Entities: Busan · Daegu City Development Corporation · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency · Korea Meteorological Administration · South Korea · Uiryeong · Yangsan

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] The previous Yangsan record of 39.3 °C was set on 26 July 2026. (Weather observations)
[● 4 SOURCES] A double high‑pressure system over the North Pacific and Tibet is driving the extreme heat. (weather cause)
[● 4 SOURCES] Most of South Korea is under a heat‑wave alert with daytime highs near 40 °C and nighttime lows staying above 25 °C. (alert status)
[● 2 SOURCES] Busan recorded a temperature of 38.6 °C, the highest since 1904. (historical high)
[○ 1 SOURCE] 2024‑2026 marks the third consecutive year that South Korea has recorded temperatures above 40 °C, indicating a new normal for extreme heat. (Trend analysis)
[● 2 SOURCES] The Korea Meteorological Administration issued extreme‑heat warnings for Yangsan, Uiryeong and Changnyeong, expecting heat‑index values above 38 °C. (warning issuance)
[● 2 SOURCES] Yangsan recorded a temperature of 39.9 °C on 29 July 2026. (recorded temperature)
[● 2 SOURCES] The 39.9 °C reading is the highest temperature recorded in Yangsan since observations began in December 2008. (historical high)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Millyang Dam water level fell to 34.1 % on July 28, prompting drought alerts. (drought condition)
[DISPUTED] Three heat‑related deaths were reported in Gyeongsangnam‑do up to July 28. (fatalities)