Authorities have issued urgent warnings to halt all outdoor work and activities as a severe heatwave continues to impact parts of South Korea, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels. The city of Yangsan in the southeast recorded a high of 42.5 degrees Celsius last Sunday, marking the highest temperature documented in the area since record keeping began in 1904.

This extreme heat has persisted, with Yangsan experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days. Other cities across the country have also reported unusually high temperatures, frequently climbing into the upper 30s Celsius. The intense and sustained heat has resulted in serious health impacts, with at least 16 heat-related fatalities confirmed.

Officials have emphasized the need for immediate cessation of outdoor labor and other activities to mitigate health risks amid these hazardous conditions. The heatwave comes as part of a broader pattern of unusually warm weather affecting the region.

Meanwhile, North Korea has also been grappling with high temperatures, as state media reported some areas experiencing heat as intense as 40 degrees Celsius. The capital, Pyongyang, has recorded night-time temperatures consistently exceeding 25 degrees Celsius for more than a week, a rare occurrence that may exacerbate heat-related health concerns.

The ongoing extreme weather underscores the challenges faced by both countries in managing the impacts of rising temperatures during summer months. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to take precautions against heat stress and related dangers.