South Korea Braces for Severe Cold Snap with Strong Winds and Sharp Temperature Drop

South Korea - Ekhbary News Agency

South Korea Braces for Severe Cold Snap with Strong Winds and Sharp Temperature Drop

South Korea is experiencing a severe cold snap accompanied by strong winds on Friday, January 6th, leading to a significant drop in temperatures across most parts of the country. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued cold wave advisories for critical regions including the Seoul metropolitan area, the northern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon Province, and Chungnam Province. Temperatures are expected to remain considerably below normal levels for this time of year, prompting urgent calls for precautionary measures from both citizens and authorities.

According to KMA data, morning temperatures today plunged by approximately 5 to 10 degrees Celsius in the central regions and the Jeolla area compared to the previous day. Specific areas such as inland Gyeonggi and the inland/mountainous regions of Gangwon recorded temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius or lower, making them exceptionally cold. These drops are particularly sharp, given that average temperatures for this period typically range from -11 to 0 degrees Celsius for the minimum and 2 to 9 degrees Celsius for the maximum. The highest daytime temperatures across the country are forecast to be between -4 and 9 degrees Celsius.

Detailed observation data from the KMA's Automatic Weather Station (AWS), as of 6 AM local time, showed the following temperatures for major cities: Seoul -6.7°C, Incheon -7.6°C, Chuncheon -4.5°C, Gangneung 2.3°C, Daejeon -3.8°C, Daegu 1.7°C, Jeonju -3.1°C, Gwangju -1.0°C, Busan 6.0°C, and Jeju 5.4°C. The forecasted maximum temperatures for the day are: Seoul -3°C, Incheon -4°C, Chuncheon 1°C, Gangneung 3°C, Daejeon 1°C, Daegu 5°C, Jeonju 2°C, Gwangju 3°C, Busan 8°C, and Jeju 5°C. These figures underscore the intensity of the cold currently gripping the nation.

These harsh weather conditions are attributed to the influence of a cold air mass originating from the northwest, bringing frigid air into the Korean Peninsula. Residents are strongly advised to take extreme precautions to ensure their safety and health. This includes wearing multiple layers of warm clothing, avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities, and maintaining proper indoor heating. It is also crucial to inspect heating systems and water facilities to prevent pipe freezing and damage. Authorities are particularly cautioning the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses against prolonged exposure to the severe cold.

Strong winds are expected to persist across most of the country, exacerbating the feeling of cold and making the sensible temperatures significantly lower than the actual readings. Forecasts indicate that these cold weather conditions will continue for several days, necessitating ongoing vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines issued by relevant agencies. Drivers should exercise extreme caution on roads due to the potential for black ice, especially during early morning hours.

The KMA continues to closely monitor the weather situation and will issue regular updates. The public is encouraged to follow official weather reports for the latest information and guidance. This cold wave highlights the need for comprehensive preparedness to cope with extreme weather phenomena that can impact daily life and the economy.

Ekhbary News Agency