The summer of 2026 continues to bring record-breaking temperatures across Asia, Europe and North America, with South Korea becoming the latest country to register its highest temperature since modern records began more than a century ago.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the southeastern city of Yangsan recorded 42.5 degrees Celsius on August 2, marking the highest temperature ever measured in the country, Korean media outlets report.
Yangsan has been at the center of the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for a fifth consecutive day on Sunday.
Much of South Korea remains under heat warnings as temperatures in many cities continue to climb into the high 30s.
Under the country's weather warning system, an emergency heat alert is issued when the perceived temperature is forecast to reach 38°C or the actual air temperature is expected to hit 39°C for at least one day.
South Korea defines a heatwave day as one with a maximum temperature of 33°C or higher, while a tropical night occurs when overnight temperatures remain at or above 25°C.
Effects of global warming devastate communities worldwide
Scientists have repeatedly warned that extreme weather events, including prolonged heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and more intense due to human-induced climate change.
The extreme temperatures are not limited to South Korea. Large parts of Europe have also been affected by intense heat in recent days, with the Danube River falling to record-low levels in several countries. The hot, dry conditions have also fueled wildfires in countries including France, Spain and Greece.
Meanwhile, Italian health authorities announced that 25 of the country's 27 largest cities will be placed under the highest-level heat alert beginning next week, including Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples. Only Reggio Calabria and Messina are expected to remain under the second-highest, amber-level warning.
By Nazrin Sadigova
