The temperature in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, finally broke through the 42°C (108°F) mark today (the 2nd).

This is the first time in the 122-year history of modern weather observations in South Korea.

The temperature in the Yangsan area hit 42°C (108°F) at 1:16 PM today.

As temperatures continued to rise afterward, it soared to 42.5°C (109°F) at 1:26 PM.

Never since modern meteorological observations began in South Korea in 1904 has a temperature higher than today's reading in Yangsan been recorded.

Observing temperatures in the 42°C range itself is a historical first.

The 42.5°C (109°F) reading stands as the highest ever recorded, combining all 97 climate statistics observation points managed by the Korea Meteorological Administration along with records from some 550 automatic weather stations (AWS).

Looking at the results compiled by the Korea Meteorological Administration from automatic weather station observations since 1973, there are documented cases of temperatures reaching the upper 41°C range in the past.

On August 1, 2018, Chowol-eup in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, and Gangbuk-gu in Seoul recorded 41.9°C (107°F) and 41.8°C (107°F), respectively, while 41.6°C (107°F) was observed in Geumsa-myeon, Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, on August 4, 2024.

While temperatures had previously exceeded the 41.6°C (107°F) recorded in Yangsan yesterday, surpassing the 42°C (108°F) threshold is unprecedented.

The concerning part is that temperatures could rise even further.

In South Korea, solar radiation is typically at its peak around 12:30 PM, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.

The time of day when temperatures reach their peak is usually around 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, about two hours later.

Depending on surrounding environments, peak temperatures sometimes appear between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

With time still remaining before the daily peak temperature occurs, the possibility that Yangsan's temperature could exceed 43°C (109°F) today cannot be ruled out.

(Photo: Yonhap News)