President Lee Jae Myung has ordered authorities to increase support for affected communities, protect vulnerable residents and inspect the country’s electricity system as air-conditioning demand rises.
South Korea Records Historic Temperature
The southeastern city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius, the highest measured during 122 years of weather observations.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first severe heatwave warning for parts of Seoul and neighbouring Gyeonggi Province before expanding the warning across the capital.
The extreme temperatures are affecting outdoor workers, older people and residents living in poorly ventilated or overcrowded housing.
Government Expands Emergency Response
President Lee said the increasing frequency of extreme weather requires a fundamental review of South Korea’s national crisis-management system.
Authorities have opened cooling facilities, increased welfare checks and deployed emergency teams to assist people considered particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness.
Officials are also monitoring the electricity grid because heavy use of cooling equipment can place significant pressure on power generation and distribution.
Health Risks Continue to Grow
Heat-related illness can develop quickly during prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when humidity prevents the body from cooling effectively.
South Korea’s disease-control agency operates a summer monitoring system involving approximately 500 emergency departments. The programme records cases of heat exhaustion, heatstroke and suspected heat-related deaths.
Authorities have encouraged residents to reduce outdoor activity, drink water regularly and use public cooling facilities where available.
Economic and Social Impact
The heatwave is disrupting work, sport, education and transport.
Outdoor industries such as agriculture, construction and delivery services face particular risks. Employers may need to alter working hours, provide longer rest periods and suspend activity during the hottest part of the day.
Electricity use is also expected to remain elevated, increasing the need for reliable power supplies during periods when cooling can become essential for public safety.
A Warning About Extreme Weather
South Korea’s crisis reflects a wider pattern of extreme heat affecting countries across Asia and other parts of the world.
Although individual weather events are influenced by several atmospheric conditions, climate scientists have repeatedly warned that global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of dangerous heatwaves.
Cities may need to invest in more trees, shaded public spaces, cooling centres and heat-resistant infrastructure.
