[Weather] 'Strongest Cold Wave' Freezes Tomorrow's Commute... Lowest Temperature -23°C

On the 14th, when the lowest morning temperature in Seoul dropped to minus 8 degrees, citizens wearing thick coats are moving around at Gongdeok Intersection in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The coldest weather of this winter will continue until tomorrow (the 25th). Morning low temperatures will drop to as low as minus 23 degrees Celsius. With severe cold and strong winds prevailing, some areas are experiencing heavy snowfall, so caution for safety is necessary.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 24th, subzero temperatures are spread nationwide, and strong winds are blowing. In Seoul, the highest temperature does not exceed minus 10 degrees Celsius, and even the usually warm city of Busan remains below freezing during the day.

On the last day of the Lunar New Year holiday, the strongest cold wave hit, causing a series of damages such as water pipe bursts across the country. In some areas, heavy snow and strong winds blocked air and sea routes, causing disruptions to return trips.

With a cold wave advisory issued nationwide, as of 6 a.m., temperatures in northern Gyeonggi and inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon Province dropped to around minus 20 degrees Celsius, while other central regions fell between minus 15 and minus 10 degrees Celsius.

As of 2 p.m. on the same day, strong wind warnings were issued for the five western islands of the Yellow Sea, Yeosu, Mokpo, and other parts of Jeollanam-do, as well as Jeju Island. Heavy snow warnings were also issued for Naju, Jangseong, Muan in Jeollanam-do, Gochang, and Jeju Island.

By tomorrow, 30 to 50 cm of snow is forecasted for the mountainous areas of Jeju Island, Ulleungdo, and Dokdo, with some places expecting over 70 cm. Snowfall of 5 to 15 cm is expected in western Jeonbuk and western Jeonnam regions.

Tomorrow morning's low temperatures are forecasted to range from minus 23 to minus 9 degrees Celsius, and daytime highs from minus 7 to 1 degree Celsius. The country will generally be clear, but central regions will gradually become cloudy from night. Until daytime, the western coast of Jeolla and Jeju Island are expected to be cloudy with snow.

A Korea Meteorological Administration official said, "Heavy and strong snow is expected along with the cold wave, so damage caused by accumulated snow is anticipated. Please be careful to prevent damage to facilities and exercise caution when driving as icy roads are expected."

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