Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Deadly heatwave grips South Korea, Seoul braces for record heat
South Korea is having a heatwave, which means the weather is extremely, dangerously hot.
More than 20 people have died because of the heat.
The capital city, Seoul, is expected to have one of its hottest days ever on Thursday.
Scientists say a city called Yangsan already recorded the hottest temperature in the country in 122 years.
The president of South Korea has asked everyone to work together to keep people safe.
Outdoor workers will be given rest breaks during the hottest part of the day.
Many people are cooling down in caves, streams, and air-conditioned shops.
Baseball games were cancelled because some fans fainted in the heat.
A far-away storm called Typhoon Dolphin is not going to hit South Korea, but it is making the hot winds even stronger.
South Korea's heatwave has been blamed for more than 20 deaths, with Seoul forecast to hit 39°C (102°F) on Thursday.
Yangsan recorded the country's highest temperature in 122 years of weather observations on Sunday.
President Lee Jae Myung ordered ministries and local governments to mobilize all personnel and resources until the heatwave eases.
The Korea Baseball Organization cancelled all 10 games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday after spectators fainted, including a fan who collapsed in Incheon.
Meteorologists say Typhoon Dolphin, posing no direct threat to South Korea, is intensifying heat by strengthening winds that descend over western regions as hot, dry air.
- Who
- South Korean residents, President Lee Jae Myung, and the Korea Meteorological Administration.
- What
- A deadly heatwave blamed for more than 20 deaths, with Seoul forecast to reach 39°C (102°F).
- When
- Early August 2026, forecast to peak in Seoul on Thursday after Yangsan's record-setting Sunday temperature.
- Where
- South Korea, affecting Seoul, Gwangmyeong, Yangsan, and Incheon.
- Why
- Extreme heat conditions, with Typhoon Dolphin strengthening easterly winds that descend over western regions as hot, dry air.
- Death toll
- More than 20
- Seoul peak forecast
- 39°C (102°F) on Thursday
- Seoul record high
- 39.6°C, set in August 2018
- National temperature record
- Yangsan's reading highest in 122 years of observations
- Baseball games cancelled
- All 10 games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday
- Government response
- Full mobilization of personnel and resources ordered by the president
- Cooling shelters
- Gwangmyeong Cave, streams, department stores
- Contributing factor
- Typhoon Dolphin driving hot, dry air over western regions