Seoul, August 5: South Korea is currently grappling with a severe heatwave. Rising temperatures are setting new records daily. July 2026 has been marked as the third hottest July on record, according to the country’s meteorological agency. The average temperature for the month reached 26.8 degrees Celsius.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that the highest average July temperature recorded since 1973 was 27.7 degrees Celsius in 1994, followed by 27.1 degrees Celsius last year. This year’s average temperature ranks third.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the average number of ‘tropical nights’ in July reached 9.7 days, the highest on record. A ‘tropical night’ is defined as a night when the minimum temperature remains at 25 degrees Celsius or higher.
On Wednesday, the weather department issued the highest level of heatwave warnings for the capital region and surrounding areas. Consequently, a severe heat alert is now in effect for 43% of the Greater Seoul area.
As of Wednesday at 11 AM, the highest level of heatwave warnings was activated in the southern part of Incheon and nine cities and districts in Gyeonggi Province, including Gwangmyeong, Yeoncheon, and Hwaseong. This brings the total to 20 out of 46 weather advisory areas in the capital region under this category. For the first time, the highest warning was also issued in Cheongyang, South Chungcheong Province.
On Tuesday, an extreme heatwave warning was implemented across all of Seoul. According to KMA guidelines, this warning is issued when the perceived temperature is expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or when the maximum temperature is predicted to exceed 39 degrees Celsius.
South Korea is currently facing unprecedented heat. In the southeastern city of Yangsan, temperatures recently soared to 42.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature recorded since modern weather records began in 1904.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that from May 15 to August 4, 2,221 people were hospitalized due to the heatwave, and 19 fatalities have been confirmed. The government has urged the public, especially the elderly and outdoor workers, to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the afternoon and to stay hydrated.
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