Severe Arctic Cold Wave Approaching from the 20th... Cold-Related Illness Advisory Issued

Nationwide Severe Cold Wave Expected to Continue
Cold-Related Illnesses Surge Amid Severe Cold

As the nationwide cold wave continues with temperatures below freezing, cases of cold-related illnesses are rapidly increasing. In particular, from the afternoon of the 20th, a so-called "Arctic cold wave," where cold air from high latitudes directly flows into South Korea, is forecasted to arrive, requiring even greater caution.

Temperatures Drop to Minus 20 Degrees on Thursday

On the 19th, as the morning temperature in Seoul dropped to minus 7 degrees Celsius, continuing the cold wave, office workers wearing thick coats are heading to work on Sejong-daero in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, starting from the afternoon of the 20th, Arctic cold air will descend, bringing severe cold nationwide. The minimum temperature on the morning of the 20th is expected to range from minus 11 degrees to 1 degree Celsius, and the maximum daytime temperature is forecasted to be between minus 7 degrees and 4 degrees Celsius.

Expected snowfall amounts on the 19th and 20th are ▲5-10 cm in the mid-mountain and mountainous areas of Jeju Island, Ulleungdo, and Dokdo ▲2-7 cm along the west coast of Chungnam, western Jeonbuk, and the West Sea 5 Islands ▲1-5 cm in southwestern Gyeonggi, Daejeon, Sejong, inland Chungnam, Chungbuk, eastern Jeonbuk, Gwangju, and Jeonnam ▲1-3 cm in Seoul, Incheon, southeastern and northern Gyeonggi, inland and mountainous Gangwon, and around 1 cm along the coast of Jeju Island.

Especially on Thursday, the 21st, the nationwide minimum temperature is expected to drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius, indicating a colder wave than the recent cold spells. The severe cold around minus 15 degrees is expected to continue until Christmas Eve.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that from the 22nd to the 24th, morning temperatures will range from minus 17 degrees to minus 2 degrees Celsius, and daytime temperatures will be between minus 7 degrees and 6 degrees Celsius, which is lower than the average for this time of year. Due to strong winds, the wind chill temperature may feel even colder.

"Wear Cold-Weather Gear When Going Outside"…How to Prevent Cold-Related Illnesses

As the severe cold is expected to continue nationwide for the time being, special attention to cold-related illnesses is required. Cold-related illnesses are conditions caused directly by cold exposure, including hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, immersion foot, and immersion hand.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that from the 1st to the 12th of this month, 39 cases of cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia, frostbite, and chilblains were reported through the "Cold-Related Illness Emergency Room Surveillance System." This represents a 14.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Among the reported patients, 64.1% were elderly aged 65 or older, and hypothermia accounted for 94.9% of the cases.

[Image source=Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

Therefore, there is growing interest in prevention guidelines for cold-related illnesses. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency emphasizes the following to prevent cold-related illnesses: ▲light indoor exercise ▲adequate hydration and balanced meals ▲maintaining indoor warmth and proper humidity ▲checking the wind chill temperature before going outside ▲avoiding outdoor activities in cold weather ▲wearing warm clothing and cold-weather gear (such as hats, gloves, masks) when going out.

Particularly, the elderly and children are more vulnerable to maintaining body temperature than healthy adults and require extra caution. People with chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension) may experience rapid increases in blood pressure due to sudden temperature changes, worsening their symptoms and increasing risk, so they should avoid sudden cold exposure and excessive physical activity.

Additionally, drinking alcohol can cause body heat to rise and then drop rapidly, making it difficult to perceive the cold, which can be dangerous. Therefore, excessive drinking should be avoided, and moderation is advised.

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