On Christmas Day, December 25, heavy snowfall is expected to hit the western coastal areas of North Jeolla Province, with forecasts predicting accumulations of over 10 cm by the afternoon. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued a heavy snow advisory effective from 6 PM on Christmas Day.
Starting in the afternoon, rain and snow are anticipated to begin, continuing through the night. The KMA noted that heavy snowfall might reach an intensity of about 1 cm per hour along the southwestern coast of Jeolla Province, potentially leading to an upgrade in the alert level to a full heavy snow warning.
The expected snowfall accumulation includes 3-8 cm in the western coastal areas of North Jeolla and South Jeolla, with some locations in North Jeolla possibly exceeding 10 cm. In other areas, like Gwangju and parts of South Jeolla, 1-5 cm is forecasted, whereas inland regions of North Jeolla are predicted to see less than 1 cm. The Chungcheongnam-do western coast may expect 1-5 cm, while the five islands in the Yellow Sea are anticipated to receive around 1 cm. Additionally, mountainous regions of Jeju Island are forecasted to receive between 5-10 cm, with some areas potentially seeing more than 15 cm.
Following this snowfall, a severe cold wave is predicted to set in on December 26, with temperatures plummeting below -10 degrees Celsius in the central region, eastern North Jeolla, and parts of North Gyeongsang Province. The morning low in Seoul is expected to reach -12 degrees Celsius, and with wind chill, the perceived temperature could dip to -18 degrees. Other cities such as Incheon and Daejeon are forecasted to see lows of -12 and -10 degrees, respectively, while Andong in North Gyeongsang could fall to -11 degrees. Most of the country is projected to remain in freezing temperatures, with daytime highs struggling to reach above -4 degrees in Seoul.
As residents prepare for the festive season, this snow and cold weather may prompt some to adjust travel plans and holiday celebrations. It’s a reminder of the power of nature while encouraging everyone to stay warm and safe during this winter weather.