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South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since weather records began more than 100 years ago, as an intense heatwave continues to grip the country and authorities urge people to avoid outdoor activities. The Korea Meteorological Administration said the southeastern city of Yangsan reached 42.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday afternoon, setting a new national temperature record. Yangsan has remained at the centre of the prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days. Other major cities, including Daegu and Busan, have also experienced temperatures climbing into the upper 30s. The extreme weather has forced many people to seek shelter in air conditioned shopping centres, cafes and other indoor spaces. In Seoul, residents gathered in public places with cooling facilities to escape the dangerous heat. Office worker Ju Dong Yeol said staying outdoors had become almost impossible and that spending time in air conditioned buildings was the only practical way to cope with the soaring temperatures. Authorities have issued emergency heatwave alerts in more than 20 areas across the country. The warning system, introduced this year, is activated when the expected heat index reaches 38 degrees Celsius or when actual temperatures are forecast to climb to at least 39 degrees Celsius. Weather officials advised residents to stop all outdoor activities immediately, remain in cool locations and drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of heat related illnesses. The Korea Meteorological Administration also warned that indoor spaces without air conditioning could become dangerous during the ongoing heatwave. Officials encouraged people, particularly children, older adults and those with health conditions, to use designated cooling centres whenever possible. Weather data show that South Korea has experienced a sharp increase in the number of extremely hot days over recent decades. During the past five years, the country has recorded an average of 19 heatwave days each year, compared with only eight days annually during the 1970s. A heatwave day is officially defined as one in which temperatures reach at least 33 degrees Celsius. The severe weather has also disrupted sporting events. South Korea’s professional baseball league cancelled a second consecutive game in the city of Changwon after temperatures climbed to 39.5 degrees Celsius. The Korea Baseball Organisation said the decision was made to protect the health and safety of players, officials and spectators while the heatwave warning remained in effect. Scientists have repeatedly warned that human induced climate change is making extreme weather events such as heatwaves more frequent and more intense around the world. Experts also point to the return of the El Nino climate pattern this year, which increases sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and can contribute to unusually hot weather in many regions. South Korea is not alone in facing extreme heat. Several European countries have also experienced prolonged heatwaves this summer, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of southern and central Europe. Governments across the region have issued health warnings, battled wildfires and advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Italy has also placed many of its major cities under the highest level of heat alert as temperatures continue to rise.

An Amber Heat-Health Alert has been issued across affected parts of England as hot weather continues, with the alert remaining in place until 9am on Friday, August 14. Health authorities are urging people to take precautions during the heat, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to high temperatures. People are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid the hottest part of the day where possible and take steps to keep cool. Authorities have also urged the public to check on family members, friends and neighbours who may struggle to cope with the heat. Those considered particularly vulnerable include older people, young children and babies, as well as people living with existing health conditions. The alert is intended to raise awareness of the potential health impacts of sustained high temperatures and encourage people to take preventative measures. People are advised to keep indoor spaces as cool as possible, stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest periods and seek medical advice if they become seriously unwell because of the heat. The Amber Heat-Health Alert will remain in force until 9am on Friday, August 14, unless conditions change earlier. Authorities are continuing to monitor the weather situation and are urging the public to take the heat seriously, particularly as temperatures remain elevated across parts of the country.