Afternoon highs in Seoul surged to 39-point-six degrees Celsius on Wednesday, the highest ever to be recorded since weather observation first began in 1907. 

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the record heat was posted at around 3:30 p.m. by the agency’s key observatory in Seoul. 

Afternoon highs had stood at 38-point-three degrees earlier on Tuesday and 38-point-two degrees on July 23, 1994 and August 24th 1943.  

Forecasters say temperatures are likely to climb still further.