[Weather] Cold Wave Advisory This Weekend...Morning Temperatures -5 to -10°C, Strong Winds and Snow Expected

The Han River viewed from Jamsugyo Bridge in Seoul is frozen on the 8th, as the Arctic cold wave reaches its peak. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Temperatures are expected to drop to minus 15 degrees Celsius this weekend. Snow is also forecast starting Sunday night.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued a cold wave advisory at 9 p.m. on the 15th. The cold wave advisory is issued when temperatures remain below minus 12 degrees Celsius for more than two days or when temperatures drop sharply, causing significant damage.

Overnight temperatures will continue to fall, with Saturday morning on the 16th expected to see temperatures around minus 10 degrees Celsius in northern Gyeonggi and western Gangwon, and down to minus 5 degrees Celsius in other parts of the metropolitan area, inland Chungcheong, northern inland Gyeongbuk, and eastern inland Jeonbuk.

Morning temperatures on the 17th are forecast to be 3 to 5 degrees lower than on the 16th, with inland Gyeonggi and western Gangwon around minus 15 degrees Celsius, and other parts of the metropolitan area, northern Chungbuk, and northern inland Gyeongbuk around minus 10 degrees Celsius.

The KMA advised, "Strong winds will blow on the 16th and 17th, making the wind chill temperature even lower, so it will feel colder. Please take care of your health, especially as the cold can weaken immunity."

From Sunday night on the 17th, the sky will gradually become cloudy, and snow will fall early Monday morning on the 18th.

Expected snowfall from the afternoon of the 17th to 6 p.m. on Monday the 18th is 5 to 10 cm in Gangwon Province (excluding the east coast) and northern Chungbuk; 2 to 7 cm in the metropolitan area (excluding eastern Gyeonggi), Chungnam region, southern Chungbuk, inland Jeonbuk, northern Gyeongbuk (excluding the east coast), and the five western islands.

The KMA warned, "Because rain or snow may freeze and cause icy roads, making many places slippery, please be especially careful with traffic safety."

Meanwhile, fine dust levels over the weekend are expected to be 'normal' nationwide.