Severe winter weather continues to affect various regions in South Korea, particularly in Honam and Jeju, as temperatures plummet. A cold wave warning is currently in effect, bringing dangerously low temperatures across the country.
Cold Wave Impacts Nationwide
As of January 8, the morning temperature in Seoul is expected to drop to a chilling -13 degrees Celsius. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) indicates that a strong continental high-pressure system from northern China is causing this intense cold snap.
Temperature Forecasts
- Morning lows across the country: -18°C to -5°C.
- Daytime highs range from -4°C to 3°C.
- In areas under cold wave alerts, such as central regions and parts of North and South Jeolla, temperatures may fall below -15°C.
With strong winds expected, the perceived temperature could drop to around -20°C, exacerbating the cold conditions.
Heavy Snowfall Expected
Significant snowfall is forecasted for the western parts of Jeolla, Jeju Island, and the islands of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Up to 30 centimeters of snow is predicted in mountainous areas, with an hourly snowfall rate of 1 to 3 centimeters until tomorrow morning.
Snow Accumulation Details
| Region | Forecasted Snowfall |
|---|---|
| Jeolla Region (Western) | 3 to 8 cm (up to 10 cm in some areas) |
| Jeju Island | 30 cm or more |
| Ulleungdo and Dokdo | 30 cm or more |
Precautions and Alerts
Driving conditions are expected to be hazardous due to icy roads. Residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling and while walking outside. Additionally, dry weather alerts remain in effect for the eastern regions, raising concerns of potential wildfires.
Maritime and Air Quality Update
Maritime conditions are also severe, with a gale warning in place across all waters. Waves could reach heights of over 5 meters, and there is a significant risk of high swells along the east coast.
On a positive note, the nationwide air quality is rated as good, attributed to effective air dispersion.
