[Anchor]
Record-breaking temperatures were reported across the country today (July 29). As a "Severe" heatwave crisis alert is issued nationwide, temperatures in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, soared to 40.3°C (104.5°F)—the highest July temperature ever recorded in South Korea. Busan also reached 38.8°C (101.8°F), marking the highest temperature in its 122-year meteorological observation history.
Here is a report from reporter Kim Su-yun.
[Reporter]
Right in the middle of downtown Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province.
Heat hazes rise from the roads under scorching sunlight, and citizens hurry along, relying on parasols and portable electric fans.
The downtown water park is packed with people trying to escape the heat.
[Son Ji-ho & Son Jae-hyeok / Buk-gu, Busan: With temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, it's still pretty hot even under the shade. Getting into the water helps a bit, but it's still extremely hot.]
The water temperature has risen due to the heatwave, and coming out leaves people gasping for air from the unrelenting heat, prompting some citizens to head back home.
[Chae Jin-a & Kim Gi-hwan / Yeosu, South Jeolla Province: I think this is the first time in my life feeling this kind of temperature. It's so hot that even the water feels lukewarm.]
This afternoon, the temperature in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, skyrocketed to 40.3°C (104.5°F).
This is the highest level since weather observations began in Yangsan in 2008.
It shattered the previous record of 39.3°C (102.7°F) set just three days ago on July 26.
This is also the first time that July temperatures have exceeded 40°C (104°F) at a climatological observation station officially used by the Korea Meteorological Administration for official statistics.
Busan also surged to 38.8°C (101.8°F), recording its highest temperature in 122 years since weather observations began in 1904.
A total of seven regions in the Busan and Gyeongnam areas were issued heavy heatwave warnings today.
This record-breaking heatwave is analyzed to be the result of hot and humid southwesterly winds blowing over the Sobaek Mountains, where they are heated further by the föhn effect before flowing into the Yeongnam region.
In addition, the Tibetan high-pressure system has expanded over the Korean Peninsula, forming a thick layer from the upper to lower atmosphere and sustaining clear, sweltering weather.
In particular, with Yangsan's cumulative precipitation for July standing at a mere 40.7 mm and virtually no rain falling across Gyeongnam all month, the heat absorbed by the ground is failing to dissipate.
Accordingly, extreme heatwaves hovering around 40°C (104°F) and tropical nights are expected to persist in the Yeongnam region for the time being.
(Video Reported by Jung Kyoung-mun | Video Edited by Lee Hong-myeong | Design by Kim Ye-ji and Park Tae-young)
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