Seoul: Temperatures in two western South Korean cities surpassed 40°C (104°F) on Tuesday, marking the highest July temperatures ever recorded in the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that Paju reached 40.1°C (104.2°F) and Gwangmyeong hit 40.2°C (104.4°F), as per data from automated weather stations. This event marks the first occurrence of temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in South Korea since last August, when Yeoju also reached 40°C (104°F) during what was documented as the hottest year in the nation's history.

On the same day, Seoul recorded a temperature of 37.7°C (99.9°F), setting a new high for early July temperatures in the city, surpassing the previous record of 36.8°C (98.2°F) set in 1939. Several other cities also experienced record-breaking early July temperatures, including Incheon at 35.6°C (96.1°F), Wonju at 35.4°C (95.7°F), Suwon and Cheongju both at 35.7°C (96.3°F), Daejeon at 36.3°C (97.3°F), Gochang at 35.8°C (96.4°F), and Busan at 34.5°C (94.1°F).

While temperatures above 40°C (104°F) are uncommon in South Korea, the southeastern city of Daegu recorded 40°C (104°F) in 1942. Decades later, several regions across the country exceeded 40°C (104°F) in August 2018. The recent temperature highs in the country align with a global trend, potentially linked to global warming.

The highest temperature ever recorded in South Korea was 41°C (105.8°F) in the northeastern county of Hongcheon on August 1, 2018, as reported by KMA.