Temperatures in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, while Busan recorded its highest temperature in 122 years of weather observations, as the country faced a record-breaking heat wave.
With extreme heat persisting, over 70 cases of heat-related illnesses have been reported daily, raising concerns about electrical fires due to increased use of cooling devices. Fire authorities are ramping up preventive measures.
According to Yonhap News and the Korea Meteorological Administration, Yangsan recorded a temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius at 3:34 PM on July 29, marking the highest temperature since weather observations began in 2008. This surpassed the previous record of 39.3 degrees set just three days earlier on July 26.
This marks the third consecutive year that temperatures in South Korea have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, following similar occurrences in the past two years. Concerns are growing that such extreme heat may become a regular occurrence in July.
Busan also recorded a temperature of 38.8 degrees at 2:56 PM, the highest since modern weather observations began in 1904. The previous record was 37.3 degrees, set on August 14, 2016. In Busan's Buk-gu district, temperatures soared to 39.0 degrees, while Gimhae reached 38.6 degrees, the second-highest temperature on record. Sokcho in Gangwon Province also saw temperatures rise to 36.6 degrees, the second-highest for July since records began in 1968, according to Yonhap News.
The Korea Meteorological Administration explained that the simultaneous influence of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High is causing warm, humid air to continuously flow into the country. Additionally, the descending air currents associated with the high-pressure system are preventing cloud formation, resulting in prolonged strong sunlight. The phenomenon of foehn winds, which heat the air as it descends over mountains, is further exacerbating the heat wave. If the current pressure system persists, there is a possibility of additional areas exceeding 40 degrees.
As the heat wave continues, health impacts are rapidly increasing. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 71 cases of heat-related illnesses were reported in emergency rooms nationwide on the previous day. While no additional fatalities were reported, there have been over 70 cases daily for the past four consecutive days.
From May 15 to July 28, during the operation of the heat illness monitoring system, a total of 1,557 cases of heat-related illnesses were reported, with 9 fatalities. Approximately 78% of the patients were male, and the highest percentage of cases, 18.8%, were among those in their 60s. Heat exhaustion accounted for 60.8% of the cases, followed by heat stroke at 16.0% and heat cramps at 12.3%.
The risk of fires due to the heat wave is also increasing. According to Yonhap News, the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Fire Department has issued a 'warning' level fire risk alert nationwide and will enhance patrols at fire-prone facilities.
The Gangwon Fire Department reported that among the 902 fires that occurred in the region from July to August between 2023 and 2025, 392 were caused by electrical factors, accounting for 43.5% of the total. Property damage exceeded 3 billion won.
Fire authorities plan to strengthen safety management at fire-prone facilities, such as aging factories and warehouses, and will focus on inspecting for overheating of cooling devices, old wiring, and the use of multi-outlet plugs. They also urged the public to ensure proper ventilation around outdoor units and to regularly check electrical equipment.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that similar levels of heat will persist until the weekend. They emphasize the importance of avoiding outdoor activities, staying hydrated, and strictly adhering to electrical safety guidelines when using cooling devices.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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