"Please Wear a Mask" Poor Air Quality Due to Yellow Dust from China

On Wednesday the 17th, the air quality is expected to be very poor due to the returning yellow dust.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, fine dust levels nationwide remain at a 'bad' level because of the yellow dust. In particular, Gangwon and Yeongnam regions will experience very dense fine dust at a 'very bad' level for a time in the morning.

On the 17th, yellow dust originating from China was carried by the northwest wind into South Korea. Commuters wearing masks are passing through Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul on their way to work. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

As of 8 a.m., only Incheon and Chungnam have fine dust (PM10) concentrations at a 'normal' level, while Gyeongbuk and Ulsan are at 'very bad', and the rest of the regions are at 'bad' levels.

Following the issuance of a yellow dust crisis warning at the caution stage in Gangwon Yeongdong at 7 p.m. the previous day, the same warning was issued for Gyeongbuk at 2 a.m. on this day.

The warning was issued as the hourly average concentration of fine dust in the northern area of Gangwon Yeongdong and the Ulleung area of Gyeongbuk remained above 300㎍/㎥ for more than two hours.

The yellow dust is expected to linger until the 18th, worsening air quality in most areas.

Dense fog reducing visibility to less than 200 meters is expected until around 10 a.m. in the metropolitan area, inland Gangwon, Chungcheong, and Honam, while Yeongnam will experience fog with visibility under 1 km.

Areas such as bridges crossing or near the sea like Seohae Bridge, and regions adjacent to rivers, lakes, and valleys will have denser fog than other areas, so caution is advised.

Dense sea fog is also expected over the West Sea, requiring caution during navigation or fishing operations.

Except for the yellow dust, the sky will be clear, with daytime high temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, exceeding the typical temperatures for this time of year (17 to 22 degrees Celsius).

On the 18th and 19th, daytime temperatures will again rise above 25 degrees Celsius mainly inland, making it hot once more. Additionally, the temperature difference between day and night will be around 15 degrees Celsius.