Seoul is bracing for a bitterly cold morning, with temperatures expected to plunge to a chilling -17 degrees Celsius on Friday, January 26, marking the coldest day of the winter season thus far. The morning temperatures are forecasted to fall between -17 and -3 degrees, significantly lower than the previous day, with parts of the central region, as well as eastern North Jeolla and the Gyeongbuk areas, dipping below -10 degrees.
The gusty winds will exacerbate the cold, making it feel even colder. In Seoul, the temperature is predicted to reach -12 degrees, but the wind chill may create a bone-chilling perceived temperature of -19 degrees. Residents are advised to take special care of their health during this extreme cold snap.
In addition to the freezing temperatures, light snowfall is anticipated along the western coast of Jeolla and in the mountainous areas of Jeju, with some regions receiving up to 1 cm of snow per hour in the morning. Slight flurries are also possible in the northern inland areas of North Jeolla and western inland areas of South Gyeongsang, although amounts will generally be less than 0.1 cm.
This cold spell is expected to persist through Saturday morning, January 27, before a gradual warming trend begins, allowing temperatures to rebound to more typical winter levels starting Sunday, January 28. As the harsh conditions persist, many residents remain hopeful that the upcoming days will offer some relief from the intense cold.