[Tomorrow's Weather] "Dress Warmly for Your Commute"... Severe Cold Wave in Gwangju and Jeonnam

Cold Wave Advisory Issued for Gwangju, Damyang, and Other Areas
Wind Chill Drops Sharply Due to Strong Winds

Tomorrow (20th), the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions are forecasted to experience a significant drop in morning temperatures as cold air flows in from the northwest. The photo shows citizens waiting for a bus at the Gwanghwamun Square bus stop in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 12th when it snowed. Photo by Yonhap News

Tomorrow, the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions will experience a sharp drop in morning temperatures and very cold conditions as cold air flows in from the northwest.

According to the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration on January 19, due to the influence of cold air descending from the north starting tonight, the morning temperature on January 20 is forecasted to plummet by about 10 degrees compared to the previous day.

In response, the Meteorological Administration issued a cold wave advisory at 9 p.m. on January 19 for four cities and counties: Gwangju, Damyang, Gokseong, and Jangseong in Jeonnam.

On January 20, the morning low in most areas of Gwangju and Jeonnam is expected to drop to between -8°C and -3°C, and strong winds will make it feel even colder. The daytime high will also remain between -1°C and 5°C, which is lower than the seasonal average, so the cold is expected to persist.

In 16 cities and counties in Jeonnam, including Goheung, Yeosu, and Mokpo, where a strong wind advisory has been issued, very strong winds with instantaneous speeds of over 20 meters per second are expected through the night of January 20. Strong winds with instantaneous speeds of around 15 meters per second are also expected in inland areas of Gwangju and Jeonnam.

Marine weather conditions are also unfavorable. A high seas warning is in effect for the offshore and coastal waters of the southern part of the West Sea, and very strong winds and high waves of 1.5 to 4.0 meters are occurring throughout all sea areas in the southwestern part of the South Sea, making it likely that a high seas warning will be issued.

As of January 19, the maximum instantaneous wind speeds recorded at major locations were 24.8 meters per second at Gageodo in Sinan, 19.3 meters per second in Yeosu, and 18.3 meters per second in Jindo.

An official from the Gwangju Meteorological Administration stated, "With the rapid drop in temperature and strong winds, the perceived temperature will be very low, so the elderly and vulnerable should take extra care of their health," adding, "Special attention is also needed to manage facilities and prevent safety accidents caused by strong winds."