New Year’s Cold & Snow: Korea Weather Update

Seoul shivered through its coldest morning of the year, with the temperature plummeting to -11 degrees Celsius (6 degrees below normal) and the wind chill making it feel like -16 degrees Celsius.

Brutal Cold Grips Korea, Snow Disrupts Travel

A bitter cold wave and accumulating snowfall are making for a challenging start to the new year across korea.

• Seoul experienced a low of -11°C, with a wind chill of -16°C.
• Heavy snow warnings are in effect for parts of western Honam and Jeju island.
• Cold wave warnings and advisories cover much of the country.
• Temperatures are expected to gradually ease starting this weekend.

The frigid air isn’t just a Seoul problem. Temperatures across the country,with the exception of Jeju Island,have fallen below freezing. Chuncheon recorded a bone-chilling -14.1 degrees Celsius,while Andong registered -11.7 degrees Celsius.

Travelers should brace for disruptions. approximately 5 centimeters of snow accumulated overnight in parts of western Honam and Jeju, and another 3 centimeters per hour is possible. A heavy snow warning remains in effect, urging caution and preparedness.

Did you know? – South Korea experiences a distinct four-season climate, with winters typically being cold and dry. This current cold wave is attributed to a strong high-pressure system over Siberia.

Wondering how cold it will get today? Expect a high of -3 degrees Celsius in Seoul, -2 degrees in Chuncheon, 1 degree in gwangju, and 3 degrees in Busan.

Authorities have issued a ‘cold wave warning’ for northern Gyeonggi, Yeongseo, Gangwon, and inland northern Gyeongbuk. A ‘cold wave advisory’ is also in effect for southern Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Jeonbuk.Extreme cold, around -15 degrees celsius, is particularly dangerous in the advisory areas.

The central region will remain locked in a deep freeze throughout the day. While the inland areas will be clear and windy,metropolitan areas and the east coast face a separate concern: extremely dry air,increasing the risk of fires.

Pro tip – To prevent pipes from freezing, allow faucets to drip slowly.Insulate exposed pipes and consider wrapping your water meter to protect it from the cold.

Fortunately,there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The severe cold is forecast to gradually subside starting tomorrow,offering a welcome respite as the weekend approaches.

Explanation of Changes & Answers to Questions:

* Why did this happen? The brutal cold wave is attributed to a strong high-pressure system over Siberia.
* Who is affected? The entire country is affected, with the most severe conditions in Seoul, Chuncheon, Andong, and regions under cold wave warnings/advisories (northern Gyeonggi, Yeongseo, Gangwon, inland northern Gyeongbuk, southern Gyeonggi, chungcheong, and Jeonbuk). Travelers are also significantly impacted.
* What is happening? A severe cold wave has gripped Korea, bringing record-low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and travel disruptions. Authorities have issued warnings and advisories.
* How did it end? The cold wave is forecast to gradually subside starting tomorrow, offering relief as the weekend approaches.

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* “Did you know?” was inserted after the paragraph detailing the widespread cold and travel disruptions.
* “pro tip” was inserted after the paragraph detailing the cold wave warnings and advisories.

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