South Korea records a historic high of 42.5°C in Yangsan, the highest temperature since 1904

On Sunday, South Korea recorded a record temperature of 42.5°C in the city of Yangsan, the highest in the history of meteorological measurements since 1904. This record was reached in the context of an extreme heatwave affecting the country, with over 20 localities under the highest alert level.

Warnings are in effect for 157 cities, and authorities recommend that the population avoid outdoor activities. The maximum alert level was introduced this year to respond more effectively to extreme phenomena related to climate change. Data from the Korea Meteorological Agency shows a significant increase in the number of days with heatwaves, from 8 days in the 1970s to 19 days in the last five years.

The record of 42.5°C reflects a global trend of intensifying heatwaves, associated with climate warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.