Due to Chinese smog, ultrafine dust is 'bad'... Clears on Monday

On the 19th, when fine dust concentrations reached 'bad' levels in various parts of the Seoul metropolitan area, the downtown Seoul appeared hazy. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that fine dust levels would be 'bad' in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong region, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk, while other regions would experience 'moderate' levels. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] As the smog originating from China continues, on the 20th, the central region is experiencing persistent 'bad' levels of ultrafine dust and fine dust.

The National Institute of Environmental Research forecasted that fine dust levels would be 'bad' in the metropolitan area, Gangwon region, Chungcheong region, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, Daegu, Ulsan, and Gyeongbuk, while other regions would be 'normal.' The metropolitan area and Chungcheong region are expected to reach 'very bad' levels in the morning and at night.

This fine dust began to flow in from China on the afternoon of the 18th, carried by northwesterly winds, affecting the central and western regions. Due to stagnant air, domestic fine dust emissions accumulated, increasing the concentration.

Accordingly, Seoul and Gyeonggi Province issued an ultrafine dust (PM 2.5) advisory on the afternoon of the previous day, marking the first issuance in about six months since May 7 of this year. The ultrafine dust advisory is issued when the hourly average concentration of ultrafine dust (PM 2.5) remains above 75㎍/㎥ for two consecutive hours.

High concentrations of ultrafine dust are expected to continue until Sunday, the 21st, and are anticipated to clear up on the 22nd. On the 21st, ultrafine dust levels are forecasted to be 'bad' in the metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Sejong, Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Jeonbuk, while other regions will be 'normal.'

From the night of the 21st, rain will fall nationwide accompanied by strong winds, gradually clearing the ultrafine dust. Starting from the 22nd, ultrafine dust concentrations are expected to be 'low' across all regions.