South Korea is forecasted to experience extremely cold weather with heavy snowfall in Honam and Jeju until Monday, raising concerns about icy roads and fire hazards due to dry conditions.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has warned that South Korea will face extremely cold weather conditions heading into Monday, with temperatures dropping well below freezing nationwide. Sunday, January 8, is expected to see temperatures ranging from -4 to 3 degrees Celsius, with the majority of the country experiencing daytime temperatures below zero. Notably, cold weather warnings have been issued for areas excluding the East Coast, including parts of central South Korea, northern Gyeongbuk inland, eastern Jeonbuk, and certain areas in Gyeongnam, where morning temperatures are predicted to plunge between -15 and -5 degrees Celsius. The wind will exacerbate the cold, leading to a lower perceived temperature.
Heavy snowfall is anticipated primarily in the western Honam area and Jeju Island, with significant accumulations expected: approximately 1cm in Chungcheong, 1 to 7cm in Honam, 5 to 20cm in Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and 1 to 15cm on Jeju Island. While the sky is expected to be generally clear across the country, there are forecasts for overcast conditions in Honam and Jeju, with snowfall that could create hazardous icy roads. As the snow accumulates, authorities advise caution to prevent accidents caused by falling branches or collapsed trees.
In addition to the cold and snowfall, dry weather warnings are in effect for Seoul, inland Gyeonggi, eastern Gangwon, and other regions, with strong winds contributing to extremely dry conditions. Officials urge residents to be vigilant against fire dangers, as a small spark could lead to large-scale fires in these dry areas. As South Korea grapples with these challenging weather conditions, safety and preparedness remain paramount for all residents.
