[Anchor]

There is a reason why Gyeongsangnam-do Yangsan recorded an all-time high temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius in meteorological history. Analysts say that a combination of topographical features, wind, and solar radiation caused temperatures to skyrocket all at once. Starting tomorrow (the 3rd), the center of this heatwave will shift toward the western regions, including the greater Seoul metropolitan area.

Reporter Park Ha-jeong has the details.

[Reporter]

After recording 40.3 degrees Celsius on the 30th of last month, Yangsan in Gyeongsangnam-do has broken its record for the highest temperature for three consecutive days through today.

The biggest factor was the double high-pressure system.

A hot and humid North Pacific high-pressure system is lingering in the lower layers, while a Tibetan high-pressure system moved in from above after the end of the monsoon season, blanketing the Korean Peninsula like a two-layer quilt.

In addition, hot and humid westerly winds became hot and dry Foehn winds as they crossed high mountains known as the "Yeongnam Alps." Because Yangsan is surrounded by high mountains such as Mount Gaji and Mount Sinbul, this heat is unable to escape.

On top of this, due to low rainfall during the past monsoon season, soil moisture was only 26 percent, and clear weather continued, pushing insolation to 135 percent of normal levels. Experts note that all of these conditions combined to produce the worst results, creating an extreme heatwave.

[Lee Won-gil / Forecaster, Korea Meteorological Administration: "We analyze that continuous heating has persisted centered around the eastern region due to clear weather, combined with topographical factors that accelerate heat accumulation, leading to continuous breaking of extreme temperature records."]  

Heatwaves are also intensifying in Seoul and the greater metropolitan area.

A heatwave warning was issued for all of Seoul effective at 11 a.m. today.

[Yoo Min-seo: "Even after checking the temperature before coming out, the perceived temperature feels at least 10 degrees higher."]  

Seoul has experienced tropical nights for 14 consecutive days.

[Jin Si-won: "Even after 1 a.m., I was sweating like crazy. It felt like standing right in front of an air conditioner outdoor unit."]  

The westerly winds that have heated the Yeongnam region are expected to change to easterly winds starting tomorrow, shifting the center of the heatwave to western regions. Daytime highs are forecast to reach 37 degrees Celsius (99°F) in Seoul and Daejeon, and 39 degrees Celsius (102°F) in Gwangju.

(Video Reported by Kim Hak-mo and Kim Seung-tae | Video Edited by Kim Yun-seong | Design by Kim Ye-ji and Jang Seong-beom)