What Happened - The Historic Heat Record
South Korea recorded, on Sunday (2/8), its highest temperature since the beginning of historical records, in 1904. The city of Yangsan, located in the southeast of the country, reached the impressive mark of 42.5°C, setting a new historical heat record. Other cities, such as Daegu and Busan, also experienced highs close to 40°C, indicating the amplitude of the heat wave that affected the country.
Why It Matters - The Consequences of Extreme Heat
Due to the extreme heat, more than 20 locations in South Korea were placed under emergency alert, a category recently created to deal with the highest temperatures. This alert is issued when the forecast indicates that the areas affected by a heat wave will reach perceived temperatures of 39°C or actual temperatures of 39°C during the day. The South Korean authorities asked the population to completely avoid all outdoor activities and warned about the dangers of enclosed spaces without air conditioning.
Data released by the South Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency showed that 16 people died and 1,889 suffered from heat-related illnesses since mid-May. These numbers are alarming and are expected to rise, considering the expectation of more intense heat in the coming days.
The Mechanism Behind the Heat - The Science Behind Heat Waves
Heat waves are complex events that result from the combination of several atmospheric and terrestrial factors. They occur when a persistent high pressure over a region prevents the movement of air masses, leading to prolonged heating. Global warming, caused by the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, also plays a significant role in the increase in frequency and intensity of these events.
Bigger Picture - Global Heat Waves and Trends
South Korea is not alone in facing extreme heat waves. Around the world, countries have been experiencing record temperatures, from Europe to North America, passing through Australia and Asia. This trend is consistent with global warming predictions, which indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, including heat waves.
What's Next - Implications and Forecasts
The South Korean government is taking emergency measures to deal with the crisis, including monitoring the supply and demand of electricity to avoid a system collapse due to intensive cooling use. Public and outdoor sports events were canceled to avoid exposure to extreme heat. It is crucial that authorities and the population remain vigilant and take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of heat waves.
Consequences in Neighboring North Korea
Heat has also been relentless in neighboring North Korea, with records of 40°C in some regions, according to state media. Residents of Pyongyang have been suffering for over a week with nights of temperatures reaching 25°C, according to the Korea Times. These conditions are particularly challenging for the population, considering the limitations of access to resources such as air conditioning and other cooling means.
Source / Reference
Original URL: https://climainfo.org.br/2026/08/03/coreia-do-sul-registra-temperatura-mais-alta-em-mais-de-100-anos/
Source Name: ClimaInfo