Hot in March and Cold in April... Rain Falls About Once Every Three Days in May

KMA Announces 'Spring 2020 Weather Characteristics'
April Sleet in Seoul, Latest Spring Snowfall on Record

China Experiences Over 20°C Drop in One Day in April 'Abnormal Cold'
Tornadoes in Southern US, Typhoons in Philippines and India

Provided by Korea Meteorological Administration

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] This spring's temperatures showed significant monthly variations.

According to the 'Spring Weather Characteristics' announced by the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 3rd, the nationwide average temperature in March was 7.9°C, ranking as the second highest since 1973. However, in April, the temperature dropped sharply to 10.9°C, lower than the average of 12.2°C, placing it in the bottom five. On April 22, sleet was observed in Seoul, marking the latest spring snow since weather observations began in October 1907. In May, the temperature rose slightly again to 17.7°C.

In March, cold air was trapped in the Arctic while temperatures in the Siberian region remained more than 2 degrees higher than usual, resulting in a weak, cold, and dry Siberian high pressure. However, in April, a low pressure system (warm air with a tall structure) stalled northwest of Lake Baikal, strengthening the north-south flow and causing frequent inflows of cold air from the northwest.

In May, rain fell approximately once every three days. The number of rainy days in May was 9.6, higher than the average of 8.6 days. Cloudy days were also frequent, making the weather feel relatively cool. The number of yellow dust days during spring was 1.0, much lower than the average of 5.4 days.

Outside of Korea, northeastern China experienced an 'abnormal cold' event with temperatures dropping more than 20 degrees in a single day in April, along with the heaviest snowfall in 37 years. Heavy rains occurred in Brazil, Pakistan, Kenya, and the United States. In the southern U.S., a tornado with maximum wind speeds reaching 113 km/h occurred, and typhoons struck the Philippines and India, causing significant casualties and property damage.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.