Yangsan Smashes All-Time Temperature Record Again at 41.6°C

Daytime temperatures in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, reached 41.6°C (107°F), breaking the all-time high record just a day after setting it.

Temperatures have exceeded 40°C for four consecutive days.

After hitting 40.0°C (104°F) at 12:14 PM today (August 1), Yangsan's temperature climbed to 41.0°C (106°F) by 1:07 PM.

The previous day, the temperature in Yangsan soared to 41.4°C (107°F), setting a new all-time high since modern meteorological observations began in South Korea in 1904, based on the 97 official climate observation stations managed by the Korea Meteorological Administration.

The previous record high was 41.0°C (106°F) recorded in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, on August 1, 2018.

Should Yangsan's temperature rise to 42.0°C (108°F), it would mark an unprecedented milestone.

Even when including Automated Weather Station (AWS) observation points, there has never been a case in the country where temperatures reached 42°C.

Looking at records since 1973, when the nationwide meteorological observation network was expanded, there are only three previous instances where temperatures rose higher than what was recorded in Yangsan the previous day: Jiwol-ri, Chowol-eup, Gju, Gyeonggi Province (41.9°C / 107°F) on August 1, 2018; Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (41.8°C / 107°F) on the same day; and Gamsa-myeon, Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province (41.6°C / 107°F) on August 4, 2024.

Yangsan has recorded temperatures in the 40°C range for four straight days starting from July 29.

Except for this current instance in Yangsan, temperatures in the 40°C range have never been recorded on consecutive days based on official climate observation stations.

Even considering AWS observation points, consecutive days of 40°C or higher were previously documented only once, when daily highs in Sinnyeong, Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, remained at or above 40°C from August 1 to 4, 2018, during the worst heat wave of the 21st century.

As heat accumulates, the time of day when Yangsan's temperature exceeds 40°C is occurring progressively earlier.

On July 29, the threshold was first crossed at 3:26 PM, followed by 1:10 PM on July 30, and 12:36 PM on July 31.

Today, temperatures surpassed 40°C at 12:14 PM.

Intense heat waves continue nationwide as the North Pacific and Tibetan high-pressure systems simultaneously blanket the country.

Hot and humid air flows in from the south under the influence of the North Pacific high, while the dual high-pressure system traps the heat, preventing it from escaping.

Additionally, descending air currents from the Tibetan high in the upper atmosphere are preventing the formation of clouds that could block sunlight.

Another factor contributing to the extreme heat in Yangsan and other parts of the South Gyeongsang region is the predominance of westerly or northwesterly winds in the lower troposphere close to the ground.

These northwesterly winds become even hotter as they cross over mountain ranges.

In particular, Yangsan is a basin surrounded by mountain ranges such as Cheongseongsan to the east and Sinbulsan to the west, making it an area where trapped heat struggles to escape.

Aside from Yangsan, several other areas in South Gyeongsang Province are suffering from extreme heat waves.

In Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, the temperature surpassed 40.0°C (104°F) at 1:33 PM, peaking at 40.4°C (105°F) at 1:36 PM.

This sets a new record high for Changwon since meteorological observations began there on July 1, 1985.

The previous record was 39.0°C (102°F) set the day before, while the peak prior to this year was 39.0°C (102°F) on July 20, 1994.

Gimhae also recorded 40.1°C (104°F), marking its highest temperature since observations began on February 13, 2008.

Busan saw temperatures rise to 37.3°C (99°F), the third-highest level recorded in the city since weather observations began on April 9, 1904.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.