South Korea sets all-time record high temperature amid deadly heat wave

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

August 01, 2018, 9:49:51 AM EDT

A heat wave, which has been plaguing South Korea since the middle of July, became historic on Wednesday.

Temperatures soared to the highest recorded level since records began in 1907 as the mercury reached 40.7 C (105.7 F) in Hongcheon, located in northeastern South Korea.

The previous record was 40.0 C (104.0 F), set on Aug 1, 1942, in Daegu, according to the Korean Meteorological Administration.

Normal high temperatures across South Korea during early August range from 29-31 C (84-88 F).

Seoul also set an all-time high temperature on Wednesday as the daily high reached 39.6 C (103.3 F) in the capital, shattering the previous record of 38.4 C (101.1 F).

Since the start of the heat wave, at least 27 people have died from heat stroke and more than 2,200 others have been hospitalized with heat-related illnesses, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The combination of a shorter-than-usual wet season and a strong area of high pressure shielding the region from significant rainfall has allowed the prolonged heat wave to linger across the region.

Very warm nights have made the situation more dire as low temperatures have failed to fall below 27 C (80 F) in many locations across the country.

A visitor walks through a water mist to cool herself off at the Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Unfortunately for those suffering in the recent heat wave, Thursday will feature scorching heat across the entire country with the potential for more all-time records to be set.

The combination of extreme heat and high humidity will make it feel even worse with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures ranging between 40 and 43 C (105 and 110 F) for locations away from the immediate coastline.

Temperatures are expected to fall only slightly in northern and western parts of the country by Friday with a continued modest cooling trend for the weekend.

Meanwhile, southeastern parts of the country may actually endure the most intense heat from Friday into Saturday as several locations expect high temperatures at or above 38 C (100 F), including Daegu.

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Normally, the hottest time of the year in South Korea is the first half of August, so long-lasting relief is not expected anytime soon.

However, a frontal boundary will approach the region next week, bringing the chance for showers and thunderstorms.

While not all locations will get this cooling rainfall, some locations will receive a brief reprieve from the heat.

Where it doesn’t rain on any given day, temperatures are expected to remain several degrees above normal but not as extreme as temperatures expected the next several days.