South Korea Records 42.5°C — Hottest in 122 Years — as President Declares Disaster

South Korea hit 42.5°C in Yangsan on August 3, 2026, its highest temperature in 122 years, after the national record fell three times in one week. President Lee Jae Myung declared a national disaster, ordering power grid inspections as cooling demand surges. Nineteen heat-related deaths have been reported; 2,025 people have fallen ill since May 15.