South Korea’s weather agency issued an official warning of a severe cold wave sweeping across most of the country on Friday, as temperatures plummeted sharply and suddenly due to the arrival of cold air masses from the northwest, turning the weather into a full-blown winter in record time.
Details of the sharp drop in temperatures
The agency stated in its announcement that the warning covers the capital, Seoul, and its surrounding areas, as well as the eastern province of Gangwon, North Chungcheong Province in central Korea, and several other regions. Temperatures this morning recorded a significant drop, reaching nearly 10 degrees Celsius below zero in some areas, prompting heightened preparedness for this extreme weather.
Very cold conditions are expected to persist during the daytime, with high temperatures forecast to range between -5°C and just above 4°C. Western coastal areas, including South Chungcheong and North Jeolla provinces, will experience rain or snow, which may affect traffic and visibility.
Snowfall and accumulation forecast
Regarding snow accumulation, weather maps indicate that between 2 and 7 centimeters of snow are expected across the wider Jeolla region, continuing until Saturday. The heaviest snowfall is expected on the islands, with accumulations ranging from 5 to 10 centimeters on the southern tourist island of Jeju, as well as on the eastern islands of Ulleung and Dokdo.
Climatic context and the impact of the Siberian High
This cold wave is part of the typical winter weather pattern on the Korean Peninsula, which is directly influenced by the Siberian High. This time of year is usually characterized by dry, bitterly cold northwesterly winds, causing temperatures to plummet to record lows, particularly in the northern and eastern mountainous regions, such as Gangwon Province, renowned for its ski resorts.
Expected effects and general warnings
This cold wave is expected to affect daily life, with authorities urging citizens to exercise extreme caution while driving due to the risk of ice forming on roads, especially in the early morning hours. Wearing heavy, layered winter clothing is also advised to avoid catching a cold or experiencing hypothermia, and residents are advised to ensure their home heating systems are functioning properly to prevent fires, which are more common in such weather conditions.
