# South Korea heatwave holds record 42.5 °C > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-heatwave-impacts > Updated: 2026-08-02T06:54:57.000Z. Sources: 68. Developments: 3. The heatwave that swept the Korean peninsula in early August 2026 continued to set unprecedented temperatures. On 2 August, the Korea Meteorological Administration confirmed a maximum of 42.5 °C in Yangsan, breaking the previous record of 41.4 °C recorded two days earlier. This marked the fifth consecutive day above 40 °C and the highest temperature since systematic observations began in 1904. More than 20 cities were placed under a newly introduced emergency heat‑wave alert, prompting the government to raise the national response to the second‑highest level. Prime Minister Han Seong‑sook ordered ministries and local authorities to mobilise resources for the elderly, outdoor workers and other vulnerable groups, expand cooling shelters, distribute water and limit outdoor work. The extreme heat caused at least 13–14 deaths and nearly 1,900 heat‑related illnesses nationwide, leading to the cancellation of professional baseball games in Changwon when temperatures reached 39.5 °C. Power utilities activated emergency measures as electricity demand surged, and both South and North Korea issued heat advisories with temperatures near 40 °C in Pyongyang. Scientists linked the event to human‑driven climate change, a returning El Niño, and persistent high‑pressure systems. Authorities continue to fund cooling equipment, drought relief and livestock support. ## Claims - The 42.5 °C reading is the highest temperature recorded in South Korea since records began in 1904. (corroborated by 28 sources) - More than 20 locations in South Korea were placed under emergency heatwave alerts. (corroborated by 27 sources) - The average annual number of heatwave days in South Korea has risen from eight in the 1970s to 19 in recent years. (corroborated by 27 sources) - The Korea Baseball Organization cancelled a game in Changwon after temperatures reached 39.5 °C. (corroborated by 25 sources) - Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in South Korea to human‑induced climate change and the return of El Niño. (corroborated by 25 sources) - Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5 °C at 13:26 local time on 2 August 2026. (corroborated by 22 sources) - Authorities advised residents to stop all outdoor activities, move to cooling centres or shaded areas, stay hydrated and rest. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The heatwave persisted for five consecutive days with temperatures above 40 °C in Yangsan. (corroborated by 21 sources) - South Korea recorded its highest temperature of 42.5 °C in Yangsan on 2 August 2026. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Prime Minister Han Seong‑sook ordered ministries and local governments to mobilise resources and raised the national heat‑response alert to the second‑highest level. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The Korea Meteorological Administration recorded a temperature of 41.4 °C in Yangsan on July 31. (corroborated by 11 sources) - KMA issued its highest‑level heatwave warning for parts of South Gyeongsang Province, including Yangsan. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Yangsan recorded temperatures above 40 °C for three consecutive days. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The extreme heat was caused by the simultaneous influence of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High pressure systems. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Forecasters are monitoring Typhoon Dolphin for possible impact on the Korean Peninsula next week. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Temperatures above 40 °C persisted in Yangsan for at least three consecutive days. (corroborated by 8 sources) - At least 13–14 people have died and nearly 1,900 have suffered heat‑related illnesses during the heatwave. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The KMA issued its highest‑level heat‑wave warning for parts of South Gyeongsang Province, including Yangsan. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The KMA uses the ASOS observing system for its data records, which began in 1973. (corroborated by 5 sources) - At least 12 heat‑related deaths were reported nationwide as of 30 July 2026. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Heat caused the death of 19,173 livestock, mainly chickens, by July 30 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5 °C on 2 August 2026, setting a new all‑time national high. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Gyeongnam health authorities recorded 142 heat‑illness cases and three deaths during the heatwave. (corroborated by 2 sources) - In July–August 2023, 118 workers died from heat‑related occupational accidents, 21 % higher than the monthly average. (single source) - The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (중대본) was elevated to level 2 in response to the heatwave. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-02: South Korea records historic 42.5°C temperature amid severe heatwave South Korea hit a record 42.5 °C in Yangsan on 2 Aug 2026, prompting emergency alerts, 13‑14 deaths, ~1,900 heat‑related illnesses, and widespread disruptions including cancelled baseball games. 55 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-records-all-time-high-temperature-of-425c ### 2026-07-30: South Korea's Yangsan sets new all‑time heat record amid nationwide heatwave Yangsan hit 41.4 °C on 31 July, then 42.5 °C on 2 August 2026, breaking national heat records as a severe heatwave prompted top‑level warnings, health deaths and a level‑2 emergency response. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-heatwave-drives-new-worker-safety-rules-as-deaths-climb ### 2026-07-29: South Korea's Agriculture Ministry Inspects Livestock Farms Amid Heatwave South Korea’s agriculture ministry inspected farms during a heatwave, reporting 365,000 livestock deaths and boosting support with cooling equipment, water, and a 4.1 billion‑won relief fund. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-koreas-agriculture-ministry-inspects-livestock-farms-amid-heatwave --- Cite as: South Korea heatwave holds record 42.5 °C. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-heatwave-impacts