Gyeongju recorded a record-breaking maximum temperature of 35.9°C on Monday, signaling an intense early-season heatwave across South Korea [1].
The sudden spike in temperature during mid-May poses significant public health risks, as the region experiences summer-like conditions weeks before the typical season begins.
Weather officials said the heat is due to a high-pressure system aloft that is pushing hot, dry air across the peninsula [1]. This system has caused national temperatures to climb between five and 10°C above the historical average [1].
In Gyeongju, the temperature reached 35.9°C [1]. Other cities in the Yeongnam region also saw extreme highs, with Gumi reaching 34.9°C and Daegu recording 34.7°C [1]. Even Seoul experienced significant heat, hitting 30.1°C [1].
The human toll of the heatwave has emerged quickly. Since the government activated its heat-related illness monitoring system on May 15, 57 people have been reported ill [1]. These cases include one death [1].
Reporter Ko Han-seok said the mid-summer heat has persisted for three days. An unnamed YTN anchor said the temperature in Gyeongju nearly reached 36°C as the heat continued to affect the Yeongnam region [1].
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation as the high-pressure system remains stationary, keeping temperatures well above the seasonal norm [1].
“Gyeongju recorded a record-breaking maximum temperature of 35.9°C”
The occurrence of record-breaking temperatures in mid-May suggests a volatile shift in regional weather patterns. Because the heat-related illness monitoring system was only recently activated, the number of casualties may reflect a population unprepared for extreme heat outside of the traditional summer window, increasing the vulnerability of elderly and outdoor workers.
