South Korea's Yangsan Endures Record 5th Day Above 40°C Amidst Extreme Heatwave

Yangsan, South Korea, is enduring an unprecedented heatwave, marking the first time in the country's meteorological history that temperatures have surpassed 40°C for five consecutive days. On August 2, the city recorded 40.7°C by late morning, inching closer to a potential new record of 42°C.

Since July 29, Yangsan has consistently recorded temperatures above 40°C. The previous day, July 31, saw a high of 41.4°C, followed by 41.6°C on August 1, which was the highest temperature recorded in South Korea's 122-year weather observation history. The heat has intensified, with the 40°C threshold being crossed in the morning on August 2, unlike previous days when it was reached in the afternoon.

Meteorologists attribute this extreme heat to a confluence of factors. A high-pressure system covering the upper and lower atmosphere, intense sunlight, westerly winds, and the unique basin topography of Yangsan, combined with dry land conditions, have created a perfect storm for record-breaking temperatures. The accumulation of heat from previous days has contributed to the earlier crossing of the 40°C mark.

This prolonged period of extreme heat raises concerns about public health and potential impacts on agriculture, as indicated by drought conditions in nearby regions like Miryang, where reservoir levels have dropped significantly. The possibility of reaching 42°C would set a new all-time high, even when including data from automatic weather stations.