'Arctic Cold Wave of Minus 15 Degrees' Approaches... Intensifying the Fierce Grip of Dongjanggun

As the snow that had been falling in the central region mostly subsides, the weather will become colder as Arctic cold air moves southward, causing the minimum temperature to drop below minus 15 degrees Celsius.

On the 20th, the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted, "The country will generally be cloudy as it gradually comes under the influence of a cold continental high pressure system expanding from northern China, moving away from the pressure trough."

Citizens, heavily dressed in padded jumpers and fur hats due to the overnight snowfall and ongoing cold, are crossing the crosswalk at Gwanghwamun Intersection in Seoul on the morning of the 20th. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

The highest daytime temperatures by region on this day are expected to be -5 degrees in Seoul, -6 degrees in Incheon, -3 degrees in Chuncheon, 1 degree in Gangneung, -2 degrees in Daejeon, -3 degrees in Cheongju, -1 degree in Gwangju, -2 degrees in Jeonju, 1 degree in Daegu, 4 degrees in Busan, and 5 degrees in Jeju.

Although the snow that had been falling in most areas has stopped, heavy snowfall of over 30 cm is expected on the Honam west coast and Jeju mountain areas until the 21st, over 20 cm on the Chungnam west coast and northwestern Jeonnam, and about 3 to 10 cm in other parts of Chungcheong and Honam. Icy roads may form in various places, so special caution is required for traffic safety.

In particular, the coldest weather of this winter is expected on the 21st. As cold air moves southward from the north, a more severe cold wave than last weekend will hit. This is due to the influence of a pressure ridge (an area of relatively higher pressure compared to the surroundings) formed near the Ural Mountains, causing cold air from high latitudes to move directly toward Korea, showing what is called an 'Arctic cold wave' pattern.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that the morning temperature in the Seoul metropolitan area will drop to -19 degrees, and some places in Gangwon Province may fall to -20 degrees. This cold wave is expected to gradually ease around Christmas Day, the 25th.

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