Dry Weather Advisory Extended Until Weekend... "Beware of Wildfires and Fires"

Dryness Warnings in Capital Region, Chungcheong, Gangwon Yeongseo, and Northern Gyeongbuk
Air Becomes Drier Due to East Wind Until the 28th
Strong Winds from the 26th... Caution Needed for Outdoor Facility Management

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has urged heightened caution against fires as dry weather warnings are expected to expand until the 28th, accompanied by strong winds in the southern regions.

As of 11 a.m. on the 25th, dry weather warnings have been issued for parts of the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong region, Yeongseo in Gangwon Province, and northern Gyeongbuk Province. Several wildfires, both large and small, have occurred, and with the east winds strengthening from the 26th, the atmosphere will become even drier, increasing the likelihood of fire outbreaks.

The KMA stated, "With the atmosphere being extremely dry and winds becoming very strong, there is a high possibility that any fire outbreak could escalate into a large blaze. We advise refraining from smoking during outdoor activities such as hiking, avoiding burning fields or trash, and refraining from cooking outside of permitted areas to thoroughly prevent wildfires and various other fires."

Until the 28th, a low-pressure system will be positioned in the south of Korea and a high-pressure system in the north, creating strong east winds due to the pressure difference. The air moving westward over the Taebaek Mountains is expected to make the central regions very dry.

The KMA forecasts that due to cloud cover associated with the southern low-pressure system, rain will fall in Jeju Island from the 25th to the 27th, and in the southern regions until the morning of the 26th. Although Jeju Island will receive heavy rainfall, the Chungcheong region and northern Gyeongbuk are expected to have insufficient precipitation to alleviate dryness.

On January 28, when a strong wind advisory was issued across Seoul, citizens were walking on the streets near Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

From tonight, winds will strengthen, requiring special attention to the management of outdoor facilities such as screening clinics, vinyl greenhouses, and construction sites. Due to the influence of east winds, strong wind warnings are likely to be issued from tonight for Jeju, the southern coast of Jeollanam-do, and the coastal areas of Gyeongsang Province. Winds are expected to be strongest from the morning of the 26th until the early hours of the 27th.

Starting this afternoon, waves in Jeju and the southern sea will rise to over 6 meters, potentially prompting storm warnings. On the 27th and 28th, the high tide in Jeju will coincide with the spring tide, causing waves to surpass breakwaters. During the storm warning period, vessels should be moved to safe locations, and caution is advised to prevent damage to aquaculture farms.

On March 1st, rain or snow is expected nationwide due to the influence of a low-pressure system. The timing and areas of precipitation may vary depending on the strength and path of the low-pressure system.