Seoul: A record breaking heatwave continued to scorch the Korean Peninsula on Monday, forcing authorities in both South Korea and North Korea to strengthen emergency measures as temperatures climbed to historic levels. Health officials have warned that the intense heat poses a serious risk to vulnerable people, while governments are working to prevent power shortages and protect outdoor workers.
South Korea has raised its nationwide heatwave alert to the second highest emergency level as the extreme weather spread across much of the country. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued severe heat warnings for Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and several other regions, while the southern parts of the country remained under the highest level of heat alerts after recording unprecedented temperatures.
The southeastern city of Yangsan recently recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius, setting a new national record and becoming the hottest temperature ever officially measured in South Korea. The country has witnessed several days of exceptionally hot weather, with many cities experiencing temperatures well above seasonal averages.
Officials say the prolonged heat has already taken a heavy toll on public health. Since mid May, at least 14 people have died from heat related causes, while nearly 1,900 others have been treated for illnesses linked to the extreme temperatures. Hospitals have reported an increase in cases of heatstroke, dehydration and exhaustion, particularly among elderly people, children and those working outdoors.
The government has expanded emergency measures across the country to reduce the impact of the heatwave. Thousands of cooling shelters have been opened in cities and rural areas, while local authorities are distributing drinking water and providing cooling equipment to vulnerable communities. Construction companies have also been instructed to adjust working hours and allow more frequent breaks for employees exposed to direct sunlight.
The soaring temperatures have also pushed electricity demand close to record levels as millions of households rely heavily on air conditioners and cooling systems. Power authorities are closely monitoring the national electricity grid and have activated emergency plans to maintain a stable power supply. Additional reserve generation capacity has been prepared to ensure there are no major disruptions if electricity demand continues to rise.
The heat has affected everyday life across South Korea. Some professional baseball games have been postponed or cancelled because of unsafe conditions, while beaches, swimming pools and rivers have attracted unusually large crowds as people search for relief from the scorching weather. Health officials continue to advise residents to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated and check regularly on elderly relatives and neighbours.
North Korea is also facing the same severe weather conditions. State media has acknowledged the unusually high temperatures and urged people to take precautions to avoid heat related illnesses. Reports indicate that many residents have been gathering near rivers, lakes and coastal areas to escape the heat, although detailed information about the overall impact remains limited due to the country's restricted flow of information.
Meteorologists say the heatwave has been caused by powerful high pressure systems that have settled over East Asia. The combined influence of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High has trapped hot air over the Korean Peninsula, creating clear skies and allowing temperatures to continue rising day after day. Experts say these weather patterns have prevented cooler air from entering the region.
Weather agencies are also monitoring Typhoon Dolphin in the western Pacific. While the storm is not expected to directly strike the Korean Peninsula, forecasters believe its movement could eventually alter regional weather patterns later this week. However, they caution that there is still considerable uncertainty about whether it will bring meaningful relief from the heat.
Climate experts warn that the latest heatwave reflects a broader trend of increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events linked to global climate change. South Korea has repeatedly broken temperature records in recent years, raising concerns about the country's ability to cope with prolonged periods of dangerous heat. Scientists say cities are especially vulnerable because concrete buildings and roads trap heat, making urban areas significantly warmer than surrounding regions.
Forecasters expect the extreme temperatures to continue for several more days, and authorities remain on high alert. Emergency services, hospitals and local governments are urging people to remain cautious as the Korean Peninsula endures one of the most severe heatwaves in its recorded history.