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Cold wave hits Korea as temperatures plunge below zero

Published: 03 Dec. 2024, 11:31 Updated: 03 Dec. 2024, 19:16

Pedestrians try to keep themselves warm with outerwear and jackets on Tuesday morning in Jongno District, central Seoul. [NEWS1]

The weather turned sharply colder on Tuesday morning, with temperatures plummeting below zero across the nation and hinting at the coming of winter.

In Incheon, the morning low fell by 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit), reaching minus 2.1 degrees, prompting the issuance of cold wave advisories in the region.

A cold wave advisory is issued when the morning low is expected to remain at minus 12 degrees Celsius or lower for at least two consecutive days, or when the morning low is expected to drop by more than 10 degrees Celsius from the previous day to 3 degrees Celsius or lower.

In Imnam-myeon, Cheolwon County, Gangwon, the daily low dropped to minus 8.8 degrees, making it the coldest spot in the nation. Paju, Gyeonggi, saw temperatures fall to minus 7.8 degrees, while Seoul recorded minus 5.1 degrees.

The cold winds are causing wind chill temperatures to feel more than 3 degrees lower than the actual temperature.

About 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) of snowfall or 5 millimeters of rainfall is anticipated in Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Seoul metropolitan regions. With subzero temperatures, the snow could freeze, raising concerns about icy road accidents.

Other parts of the central inland region may experience light snow or drizzle, with a high possibility of black ice forming on the roads, requiring extra caution.

People watch the winter sea in Gangneung, Gangwon, on Tuesday, amid a drastic drop in temperature nationwide. Parts of Gangwon dropped to minus 8.8 degrees, making it the coldest spot in the nation. [YONHAP]

This cold spell will continue through Wednesday, with morning temperatures in the metropolitan area falling to as low as minus seven degrees. Another cold snap is expected around the weekend, where temperatures will drop to minus eight degrees in some regions.

"Until this weekend, the central region and northern parts of the Jeolla area may experience intermittent rain and snow," the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Tuesday. "It is recommended to carry an umbrella to prepare for unexpected precipitation."

The KMA has warned of significant temperature fluctuations in the coming days and advised people to take precautions to protect their health.

Update, Dec. 3: Further temperature details and the KMA quote.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [[email protected]]