Urban Areas Trapped in Fine Dust, Expected to Be Washed Away by Rain the Day After Tomorrow

Overlapping Air Stagnation with Fine Dust from China
Advisories Issued for Western Areas Including the Seoul Metropolitan Area and Chungbuk

The city center viewed from Taepyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul on the 16th, when the ultrafine dust concentration was at the 'Bad' level, is shrouded in fog accompanied by fine dust. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Bokyung Kim] Fine dust affecting mainly the western regions such as Seoul, parts of Gyeonggi, and Chungbuk is expected to gradually decrease in concentration from the afternoon of tomorrow (17th).

According to the National Institute of Environmental Research's Air Quality Integrated Forecast Center, as of the morning of the 16th, fine dust levels in the metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong region, and Jeonbuk are recorded as 'bad.' Fine dust advisories have been issued for Seoul, central and northern Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, and Jeonnam.

In particular, Chungnam Province has implemented emergency reduction measures starting from 6 a.m. today. Restrictions on the operation of grade 5 emission vehicles and a cap limiting coal power plants to a maximum output of 80% are in place. A Chungnam official stated, "Due to the COVID-19 situation, the 'public vehicle 2-day operation system' will not be implemented." An official from the Integrated Forecast Center explained, "While some fine dust is imported from abroad such as China, the accumulation of domestic fine dust due to continued atmospheric stagnation also has an impact."

The stagnant air condition will continue until the 17th. Seoul, Incheon, northern Gyeonggi, Chungcheong region, and Jeonbuk are expected to have bad levels until the morning of that day. Southern Gyeonggi and Daegu will also show bad levels until the afternoon. However, from the afternoon, a south wind will blow, pushing out most of the dust accumulated in the west. Rain is also forecasted, so the high concentration fine dust phenomenon will be resolved from the day after tomorrow (18th). Accordingly, the National Institute of Environmental Research expects the weekly average concentration of fine dust to be at a 'low' level (fine dust concentration 0?35 ㎍/㎥), which is between good and moderate.

This week's rain will fall at different times depending on the region. In Jeolla Province, rain will fall from morning to afternoon on the 17th; in Chungcheong Province, from afternoon to night; and in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon Yeongseo, rain will start from night. Rain will mostly stop in the metropolitan area and Gangwon Yeongdong by the afternoon of the 19th, while the remaining southern regions will continue until the morning of the 20th. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts a significant drop in temperature after the rain. From the 21st, morning temperatures will range from -2°C to 10°C, and daytime temperatures will drop to between 8°C and 17°C.

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