Sudden Cold Snap Grips South Korea: Temperatures Plummet, Bringing Early Winter Conditions
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – A shockingly rapid shift in weather is sweeping across South Korea, bringing frigid temperatures and early winter conditions. The dramatic drop, reported by KBS News, is advancing the season by nearly a month in a single day, catching many off guard. This breaking news event is impacting travel, daily life, and prompting urgent warnings for residents to prepare for the cold.
Dramatic Temperature Drop & Regional Impacts
Seoul residents are waking up to a significantly colder morning, with temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius – a staggering 8-degree decrease from yesterday. This trend isn’t isolated to the capital. Temperatures will remain well below normal across the country until Wednesday. The east coast is bracing for rainfall, with 10 to 50 mm expected in Yeongdong, Gangwon-do. Higher elevations in Gangwon-do are already seeing snow, and frost and frozen water are anticipated overnight in central inland areas.
Beyond Seoul, Gwangju will experience a 4-degree dip, reaching a daytime high of 18 degrees Celsius. The Yeongnam region will start the day around 10 degrees, peaking at 18 degrees in Daegu and 17 degrees in Gyeongju. Strong winds are forecast for the west coast, and unusually high sea waves, reaching 4 to 5 meters, pose a hazard to maritime activities.
Understanding Korea’s Climate & Seasonal Shifts
South Korea experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. While seasonal transitions are typical, the speed of this current cold snap is unusual. Historically, the peninsula has seen similar, albeit less drastic, early-season cold spells, often linked to shifts in Siberian air masses. However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events globally raises questions about the role of climate change in exacerbating these shifts.
“Korea’s climate is heavily influenced by its geographical location and proximity to both the Siberian landmass and the Pacific Ocean,” explains Dr. Kim Min-ji, a climatologist at Seoul National University. “These factors create a dynamic weather system, making it susceptible to rapid temperature changes. While natural variability plays a role, we are observing a trend towards more extreme weather patterns, which warrants further investigation.”
Safety Precautions & What to Expect
Authorities are urging residents to dress warmly, especially during morning and evening hours. Protecting exposed skin from the cold is crucial to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Drivers should exercise extreme caution due to potential icy road conditions, particularly in mountainous regions. Those living near the coast should be aware of the high waves and avoid unnecessary maritime activities.
Looking ahead, the KBS forecast indicates that morning temperatures will begin to stabilize in the second half of the week. However, residents should remain vigilant and stay updated on the latest weather reports. Midday temperatures will remain cool, with Seoul expected to reach 15 degrees and Gangneung 13 degrees today.
Staying informed is key during these rapidly changing conditions. For the latest updates and detailed forecasts, visit KBS News at http://kbs.co.kr. At archyde.com, we’re committed to bringing you timely and accurate information to help you navigate these dynamic weather events and understand the broader context of our changing climate.
Source: KBS News – Choi Hyun-mi ([email protected]), Park Hye-ryeong, Ji-hyeon Lee
