Bitterly Cold Temperatures During Commute... Strong Winds and Dry Air, Caution for Wildfires
Temperatures across South Korea are expected to drop significantly below zero on Monday, with strong winds contributing to an increased risk of wildfires due to dry conditions.
On Monday, January 23, South Korea is anticipating a sharp drop in morning temperatures, expected to be 5 to 10 degrees Celsius lower than the previous day. The Korea Meteorological Administration has warned that some regions in South Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces will experience temperature plunges of 10 degrees or more, with some areas reaching approximately 15 degrees lower. Most of the country can expect morning temperatures to fall into the sub-zero range, particularly in inland central, North Jeolla, and inland Gyeongsang regions, where lows of around -5 degrees Celsius are expected. With strong winds, the perceived temperature will drop even further, heightening the cold conditions.
Moreover, the administration has issued dry weather alerts for areas including Seoul, parts of northern Gyeonggi, mountainous regions of Gangwon, and the eastern coast. Everyone in these regions needs to remain vigilant against the danger of wildfires, especially as strong winds may turn a small spark into a significant blaze. However, a change in weather is anticipated by Tuesday, January 24, as it is projected that rain and snow across much of the country may alleviate some of the dryness.
In addition to the cold, some regions, particularly the northeastern mountain areas of Gangwon and Gyeongsang, can expect exceptionally strong winds, with gusts reaching around 20 meters per second. Authorities advise residents to manage facilities and take precautions against potential accidents during this period. The air quality is also affected, with dust originating from northeastern China affecting regions such as Incheon and South Chungcheong, leading to poor air conditions expected to worsen throughout the day. Temporary spikes in very poor air quality are forecasted in Seoul, Incheon, and northern Gyeonggi, especially in the late morning and during the day for South Chungcheong, indicating a need for caution among residents.