▲ This July 29, 2026, file photo shows pedestrians using an umbrella to hide from the heat in the southeastern city of Yangsan. (Yonhap)
▲ This July 31, 2026, file photo shows a nearly empty reservoir in the southeastern city of Ulsan. (Yonhap)

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SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Yonhap) -- Temperatures soared to a record high of 42.5 C in the southeastern city of Yangsan on Sunday, as a scorching heat wave continues to grip South Korea, the state weather agency said.

The mercury reached 42 C in Yangsan, about 310 kilometers southeast of Seoul, at 1:16 p.m. and further rose to 42.5 C at 1:26 p.m., according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

It marked the highest reading since modern weather observations began on the Korean Peninsula in 1904, based on records from the KMA's 97 long-term observation stations.

The timing of the temperature rising above 40 C in Yangsan has been occurring earlier each day, as heat continues to accumulate, raising concerns the temperature could even surpass 43 C.

Sunday marked the fifth straight day temperatures exceeded 40 C in the southeastern city.

Temperatures had also risen to 40.3 C in Gyeongju, about 240 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as of 2:14 p.m., marking the first time the mercury rose above 40 C in the city this year.

It was the highest temperature reported in eight years after the mercury hit 39.8 C in August 2018.

The government issued a "Level 2" emergency operation of the disaster response headquarters as of 1 p.m. to strengthen the governmentwide response to the extreme heat.

It marked the first time in three years since August 2023 that the government activated the Level 2 operation of the disaster response headquarters. It also represents the second time it has ever been activated since the government included extreme heat waves in the category of natural disasters.

The government also advised the public to refrain from outdoor activities and abide by safety measures.

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook issued emergency orders for government ministries and provincial governments to strengthen safety checks on people who are most vulnerable to the heat, and to maintain a stable power and water supply.

The number of patients who suffered from heat-related symptoms totaled 1,781 in the May 15-July 31 period, according to government data. The number of those who died from heat-related illness reached 13 in the cited period.

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