This winter in South Korea has recorded rainfall at just 53% of the average, similar to the conditions that led to last year's devastating Gyeongbuk wildfire. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that the nationwide precipitation totaled 45.6mm, making it the second-lowest in history since 1973. Without adequate rainfall, concerns are mounting over the potential for more wildfires in spring, especially following last year's deadly fire, which occurred under similar drought conditions.

Analysis indicates that, while December's rainfall was near the average, the months of January and February were particularly dry, with precipitation levels at 21.5mm—among the lowest recorded for those months. The dry conditions can be attributed to weather patterns in the region, notably a blocking pattern over Siberia, which has hindered the movement of low-pressure systems, allowing cold, dry northwesterly winds to persist and reduce moisture inputs. The increased tropical convective activity in the western Pacific has also intensified these dry winds, resulting in lower humidity and further exacerbating the dry winter conditions.

Relative humidity levels fell significantly in the Gangwon Yeongdong and Yeongnam regions, dipping below 50%, which is over 10 percentage points lower than average. This lack of moisture was compounded by a lack of easterly winds that usually bring humidity from the East Sea, alongside the warm dry winds enhancing dryness due to the Föhn effect as they crossed the Taebaek and Sobaek mountain ranges. As a result, the number of days classified as experiencing meteorological drought reached 2.9 across the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for wildfire preparedness in the upcoming spring season.