South Korea has experienced its hottest day since records began, with temperatures reaching 42.5C during a severe heatwave that has been linked to at least 19 deaths.
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Key facts
- Temperatures in South Korea reached 42.5C
- It marks the country's hottest day since records began
- At least 19 deaths have been related to the heatwave
- Reported by the BBC on 5 August 2026
South Korea has recorded its hottest day since records began, with temperatures climbing to 42.5C amid an intense heatwave, according to the BBC.
The extreme heat has been linked to at least 19 deaths, the BBC reported, underscoring the human toll of the record-breaking conditions.
The milestone temperature represents a new high for the country, surpassing any previously documented figure in South Korea’s climate records.
The BBC’s coverage highlighted the severity of the heatwave, which has gripped the nation and pushed temperatures to unprecedented levels.
Heatwaves of this intensity pose significant risks to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups, and the reported deaths reflect the dangers associated with such extreme conditions.
Why it matters
Record-breaking temperatures like the 42.5C reached in South Korea highlight the growing intensity of extreme heat events and their direct impact on human life. With at least 19 deaths reported, the heatwave underscores the urgent public health challenges posed by rising temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
What was the highest temperature recorded in South Korea?
According to the BBC, temperatures reached 42.5C, marking the country's hottest day since records began.
How many deaths have been linked to the heatwave?
The BBC reported that at least 19 deaths have been related to the heatwave.
Is this a record for South Korea?
Yes, the BBC reported that this is the country's hottest day since records began.
Timeline
- Central Europe sees record temperatures as heatwave continues
Al Jazeera: Record-breaking temperatures in Slovakia and Austria as Italy places all of its 27 major cities on highest heat alert.
- Record-high heat soars through South Korea
Al Jazeera: A record-high heatwave is sweeping through the Korean Peninsula, sending temperatures skyrocketing, reaching 42.5C.
- Drone warnings and sheltering in airports as South Korea battles historic heatwave
BBC Science: The president has called the extreme heat a "national disaster" and ordered agencies to mobilise all resources.
- Record heatwave in South Korea as temperatures soar to 42.5C
BBC World: There have been at least 19 deaths related to the heatwave which has brought the country's hottest day since records began.