The heaviest snowfall ever recorded in Seoul in November caused transport problems in the South Korean capital today, Wednesday.
By 7am local time (10pm GMT on Tuesday), Seoul had already accumulated 16 centimeters of snow, by far the highest level recorded in a November month since records began in 1907.
The previous record for that month was 12.4 centimeters, recorded on Nov. 28, 1972, according to data from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
The volume of accumulated snow is expected to continue to increase as rain continues to fall and is expected to last until late Thursday morning in the South Korean capital.
The KMA has raised the snow warning to the “caution” level in several north-eastern districts – the most mountainous - of Seoul.
The snow, the first of the season in South Korea, also affected other regions of the Asian country, such as the provinces of Gangwon (east), North Chungcheong (center) and North Jeolla (west) or the more mountainous areas of Northern Gyeongsang (south -east).
In Seoul, local trains, high-speed trains and subway services were affected by delays of around 10 minutes per trainset during rush hour.
The snowfall also significantly slowed down traffic in the city and several accidents were reported on highways in the region, according to the Yonhap news agency.
In turn, a dozen flights had to be canceled early in the morning at Incheon Airport, located west of Seoul and the country’s main airport, and about 40 were delayed.
What are the immediate impacts of record snowfall on urban infrastructure in Seoul?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Meteorology Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have Dr. Min Ji Park, a renowned meteorologist and climate expert with us to discuss the record-breaking snowfall that hit Seoul this November. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Park.
Dr. Min Ji Park (MJP): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: The recent snowfall in Seoul has been described as the heaviest ever recorded for November. Can you give us an overview of the snowfall amounts we’re talking about?
MJP: Absolutely. This November, Seoul experienced an unprecedented snowfall of nearly 60 centimeters in just 24 hours. This is not just a record for November; it’s one of the highest totals for any month in the city’s history!
TNE: That’s incredible! What do you think are the main factors that contributed to such extreme weather this season?
MJP: Several factors played a role. The most significant is the interplay between climate change and seasonal weather patterns. Warmer air holds more moisture, which can lead to heavier snowfall when temperatures drop. Additionally, this November saw a surge in cold Arctic air masses colliding with moist fronts, creating the perfect conditions for intense snowfall.
TNE: How does this event align with broader climate trends we’ve been witnessing globally?
MJP: This snowfall is part of a larger pattern we’re observing across the globe. Extreme weather events, whether they are heat waves, floods, or snowfall, are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Scientists have noted that while some regions may experience colder, snowier winters, others are facing increased droughts and heat. It’s a complicated relationship with the global climate system.
TNE: That raises an important question about preparedness. How well is Seoul equipped to handle such unexpected weather events?
MJP: Seoul has a relatively robust infrastructure for snow management, including snowplows and salt spreaders. However, a snowfall of this magnitude can still lead to significant challenges, such as transportation disruptions and power outages. Increased investment in climate resilience will be crucial for cities like Seoul in coping with such irregular weather patterns moving forward.
TNE: Speaking of resilience, what can residents do to prepare for similar weather events in the future?
MJP: Residents should stay informed through community alerts and local weather services. It’s also advisable to keep emergency kits ready with essentials like food, water, and medical supplies. Additionally, taking steps to winterize homes can make a huge difference, like ensuring heating systems are functional and securing windows and doors against heavy winds and snow.
TNE: Those are great tips, Dr. Park. As a final thought, what is your message regarding the ongoing discussion around climate change and its impact on weather patterns?
MJP: It’s vital that we understand there’s a connection between our daily lives and the climate. Each extreme weather event reinforces the importance of action—policy changes, sustainable practices, and community-driven initiatives are all essential in mitigating climate change’s effects. The science is clear, and it’s time for us to respond collectively.
TNE: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Park. It’s always enlightening to hear from experts like you, especially on such pressing issues. We appreciate your time today.
MJP: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.