South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since national weather observations began, as an intense heatwave grips the country and places mounting pressure on hospitals, emergency services and public infrastructure.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), temperatures reached 41.8C in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province, on 3 August 2026, surpassing the previous national record of 41.0C recorded in Hongcheon in August 2018. The milestone comes amid a prolonged period of extreme heat affecting large parts of the Korean Peninsula, prompting weather warnings and emergency measures nationwide.
