A March snowstorm is expected to bring significant snowfall across South Korea, particularly affecting the mountainous regions in Gangwon Province. From the late afternoon of March 5, rain and snow will begin in the central region and gradually spread nationwide. Up to 15 centimeters of additional snow is anticipated in these areas by the morning of March 6.
Forecast Details
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) predicts that precipitation will commence in the western districts, including the metropolitan area, and expand across the nation overnight. Specifically, the following snowfall accumulations are expected:
- Gangwon mountainous areas: up to 15 cm
- Gangwon inland: 3 to 8 cm
- North and Southeast Gyeonggi, Northern Chungbuk: 1 to 5 cm
- Sejong, Northern Chungnam, Eastern Jeonbuk: 1 to 3 cm
- Seoul, Incheon: less than 1 cm
This winter has already presented challenges, with Gangwon Province experiencing severe drought prior to this late surge of heavy snowfall. The KMA reports that average precipitation levels from December 2022 to February 2023 were only 53% of the norm for that period (1991-2020). Notably, relative humidity in the Yeongdong area dipped below 50%, exceeding a ten percentage point decrease compared to historical averages.
Changing Weather Patterns
As March arrives, the influence of moist easterly winds has begun to replace the cold northwesterlies, resulting in wetter snow precipitation. KMA official Woo Jin-kyu noted that the interaction between cold air from the northeast and warm air from the southeast leads to increased moisture, contributing to heavier snowfall. The geographical presence of the Taebaek Mountains also restricts the cold air from effectively traversing, resulting in more snow in the eastern regions.
Season Extension for Ski Resorts
Due to the heavy snowfall, ski resorts in the Gangwon area may consider extending their operating seasons. The Monayongpyeong Resort in Pyeongchang is specifically evaluating the possibility of delaying its scheduled closure on March 22, given the recent 40 cm of snowfall recorded at the site.
Impact on Temperatures
Following the expected snowfall on March 5 and 6, a temporary drop in temperatures can be anticipated, with morning lows potentially dipping below freezing. However, temperatures are expected to gradually rise, returning to seasonal averages by March 11.
As snow continues to blanket the region, attention should also be paid to infrastructure impacts such as potential damage to greenhouses and other facilities due to heavy snow accumulation.
