Seoul Records Lowest Temperature in 64 Years and First Ice Formation... Why Did It Suddenly Get So Cold?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Recently, as morning temperatures dropped sharply, a cold wave advisory was issued for most parts of the country. The colder-than-average weather is expected to continue for the time being.

On the 17th, the morning low temperature fell below 5 degrees Celsius in most areas nationwide, except for coastal regions. This was 10 to 15 degrees colder than the previous day's morning low, which was around 12 degrees.

That day, the morning temperature in Seoul dropped to 1.3 degrees Celsius. This is the lowest temperature recorded in mid-October in 64 years since 1957.

Additionally, the first ice was observed in Seoul 17 days earlier than average and 7 days earlier than last year.

Citizens showed surprised reactions to the sudden cold. There were also voices saying that the season changed directly from summer to winter.

Just a week ago, daytime temperatures were above 25 degrees Celsius. This was due to the strong influence of the subtropical high pressure system over Korea's airspace.

The Korea Meteorological Administration explained, "The subtropical high pressure, which should gradually retreat as autumn approaches, remained over the Korean Peninsula until a few days ago, keeping the weather warm."

However, after Typhoon Gonpas (No. 18), which supported the high pressure system from the south of the subtropical high, made landfall in Vietnam and weakened, the subtropical high suddenly contracted.

The subtropical high pressure fluctuates in strength depending on the development of convective clouds near the equator. After the typhoon passed, convective activity weakened, reducing the strength of the subtropical high.

The Korea Meteorological Administration explained that the cold wave arrived as the timing of the subtropical high's contraction coincided with the arrival of cold air from the Arctic to Korea. The contraction of the subtropical high removed the barrier that had been blocking the cold air.

The Meteorological Administration added, "Due to the influence of the high pressure system, the sky will be mostly clear, but this cold spell is expected to continue for a considerable period."

Meanwhile, tomorrow morning is expected to be below freezing. According to the Meteorological Administration, the morning low temperatures nationwide on the 18th are forecasted to range from minus 2 degrees to 8 degrees Celsius.

The central inland areas, eastern Jeonbuk, some inland areas of Gyeongsang, and mountainous regions are expected to experience below-freezing temperatures. Strong winds will make the wind chill feel 2 to 6 degrees colder than the actual temperature.

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