Record-Breaking Heat Shatters 122-Year High Again... The Hidden Meaning Behind Everyday Records

Today (Aug. 1), the temperature in Yangsan soared to 41.6°C (107°F), breaking the record for the highest temperature in 122 years of modern weather observation in South Korea just one day after it was set.

At 12:14 PM today, Yangsan recorded 40°C (104°F) for the first time.

Temperatures continued to rise thereafter, peaking at 41.6°C (107°F) past 2:00 PM.

Based on 97 climate statistics observation points where the Korea Meteorological Administration manages temperature rankings, the temperature has never risen this high since modern meteorological observations began in South Korea in 1904.

Just a day prior, Yangsan broke the previous record by hitting 41.4°C (107°F), only for that figure to be surpassed once again in a single day.

Before the arrival of this summer, the previous all-time high temperature record was 41°C (106°F) set in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, in August 2018.

Today, temperatures in the 40°C range were recorded not only in Yangsan but across various parts of the Gyeongnam region.

Looking at the highest daily temperatures as of 2:00 PM, temperatures exceeded 40°C in areas such as Geumjeong-gu in Busan (40.5°C / 105°F), Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province (40.4°C / 105°F), and Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province (40.2°C / 104°F).

Due to the record-breaking heat wave in the Gyeongnam region, the number of heat-related illness patients there has surpassed the number of patients in Seoul.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a total of 1,781 patients have been captured by this year's emergency room heat-related illness surveillance system from May 15 until yesterday. As of yesterday, the cumulative number of patients reached 161 in Gyeongnam and 158 in Seoul.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that the maximum perceived temperature will rise to around 35°C (95°F) in most parts of the country for the time being.

As scorching heat and tropical nights are expected to persist, authorities urged citizens to refrain from outdoor activities and pay close attention to health management, including sufficient hydration.

According to data compiled by the Korea Meteorological Administration across 62 locations nationwide, the average number of tropical nights from June 1 to yesterday was 9.7 days, the highest since meteorological observations began in 1973.

During the same period, the daily average temperature was 24.5°C (76°F), tying for the second highest on record, while the average daily maximum temperature was 29.4°C (85°F), ranking fourth highest on record.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video edited by Na Hong-hee | Design by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.