A strong cold wave is moving southward from the northern region of the country, bringing temperatures below -35 degrees Celsius. This severe weather is expected to sharpen significantly from today for the next two to three days. As a result, the Meteorological Administration issued a cold wave warning this morning for all areas of Seoul, except for the southeast region, as well as parts of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, and northern Gyeongbuk. This warning will take effect tonight at 9 PM.
Temperatures are already dropping significantly, with many places experiencing temperatures below freezing. In Seoul, the temperature dropped to 0.4 degrees Celsius, while the wind chill made it feel like -3.5 degrees. Areas like Eunpyeong-gu and Gangseo-gu saw temperatures around -3 degrees. In Gangwon province, temperatures plummeted near -9 degrees at landmarks like Hwacheon and Goseong, with wind chill bringing the feel to around -17 degrees. Inland areas, including Paju, Cheorwon, and Bonghwa, also reported temperatures around -5 degrees.
The intensity of this cold snap is expected to intensify overnight, with temperatures peaking between tomorrow morning and the morning after, especially in Seoul, where temperatures could drop to -8 degrees and wind chill might plummet to -12 degrees. In northern Gyeonggi and Gangwon, temperatures may even drop below -10 degrees, while the wind chill could approach a staggering -20 degrees, indicating a rapid transition to winter-like conditions.
This harsh cold will persist until the morning of the day after tomorrow, raising the risk of frozen pipes and cold-related illnesses. Residents are advised to take precautions against the cold. Additionally, starting tonight, there is a possibility of snow in the western coastal areas, with snow expected in Seoul around Thursday afternoon if the conditions are right. The snow could become the season’s first accumulation in the capital.
Heavy snowfall is forecasted for the western coastal areas from tonight into tomorrow early morning and again from tomorrow night into Thursday morning, with up to 8 cm predicted for regions like Chungcheong and southern Honam, and up to 10 cm in mountainous areas of Jeju. The combination of snow and low temperatures poses a risk of icy roads and potential slip hazards.
As the cold front weakens slightly and the wind shifts to the west, more snow from the sea is anticipated to reach inland, especially during Thursday afternoon and into the night. However, the Meteorological Administration cautioned that the snow amounts may vary depending on the trajectory of the low-pressure system and temperature changes, urging residents to stay updated with the latest weather reports. The timing of snowfall coinciding with commute hours may lead to icy conditions on the roads, requiring thorough preparation to avoid accidents.
This weather event is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of winter; however, it also offers an opportunity for residents to engage in seasonal activities responsibly, while taking the necessary precautions to stay safe in the cold.