Cold wave hits Korea: Snow and temperatures as low as -10°C
South Korea's meteorological agency issued its highest-level weather alert across most of the country as a severe cold wave gripped the Korean Peninsula, with its direct effects beginning Friday. The warning comes as the country experiences a sharp and sudden drop in temperatures, driven by frigid northwesterly winds from the polar regions, transforming the weather into a winter wonderland in record time.
Details of the sharp drop in temperatures
According to data released by the Meteorological Agency, the cold snap was not limited to mountainous regions but also affected the capital, Seoul, and its densely populated suburbs, as well as the eastern province of Gangwon and the central province of North Chungcheong. Early morning temperatures reached record lows for the season, plummeting to -10 degrees Celsius, prompting warnings for residents to take precautions and dress warmly.
Regarding the expected maximum temperatures during the daytime, forecasts indicate that they will not exceed 4 degrees Celsius above zero at best, while in other areas they will remain around 5 degrees below zero, which means a very cold day that requires caution, especially for children and the elderly.
Snowfall and Rainfall Map
The weather system is not only characterized by a drop in temperature but also by varying intensities of snow and rain. Western coastal areas, including South Chungcheong and North Jeolla provinces, are expected to experience rain mixed with snow. Snow accumulations of 2 to 7 centimeters are predicted for the wider Jeolla region, and this weather pattern is expected to continue until Saturday.
In island and tourist areas such as Jeju Island in the south, and Ulong and Dokdo Islands in the east, snowfall is expected to be heavier, with thicknesses reaching between 5 and 10 centimeters, which may affect tourism and navigation in those areas.
Climate context and wave effects
This weather pattern is typical for East Asia, where South Korea is influenced by the Siberian High, which pushes cold, dry air masses southward. These northwesterly winds usually cause sharp drops in temperature, and when they pass over relatively warm bodies of water (such as the Yellow Sea), they lead to the formation of heavy snow clouds that affect western and southern regions.
This weather pattern has potential impacts on daily life, increasing the risk of roads freezing and black ice forming, which poses a threat to drivers' safety, as well as increasing energy demand for heating. Korean authorities typically advise checking the integrity of water pipes to prevent bursting due to freezing and urging caution while driving in mountainous and coastal areas.
