Severe Winter Cold to Drop Wind Chill to -20°C

As winter deepens, Korea is bracing for one of its coldest spells this season. On December 26, 2022, Seoul experienced a minimum wind chill of -18°C, prompting the issuance of cold wave warnings across the nation. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) anticipates that the cold will intensify around January 20, 2023, coinciding with the traditional solar term, Daehan (대한).

Cold Wave Forecast for January

The KMA has warned that from the morning of January 20, temperatures in inland regions could plummet to around -15°C. This extreme cold is expected to last until January 26. Precipitation, consisting of light rain or snow, is forecast for the evening of January 18, mainly affecting the Gangwon region and parts of the central and North Jeolla provinces. Following this, temperatures will sharply decline.

Temperature Predictions

• January 18: Morning lows expected around -2°C.
• January 20: Predicted temperatures between -17°C and -3°C.
• Wind chill may make it feel 5°C to 10°C colder.

The ongoing low-pressure system in northeast Asia is not moving eastward, allowing frigid air from the northwest to continue descending into Korea. This phenomenon is forecast to persist, leading to one of the longest and most intense cold waves of the winter.

Historical Comparison

According to meteorologist Gong Sang-min, previous cold streaks in Seoul saw temperatures drop below -10°C for a day on December 26, and for two days on January 2. However, starting January 20, low temperatures between -10°C and -13°C are expected to continue for six consecutive days.

Health and Safety Precautions

With the severe weather, residents are advised to take precautions against freezing temperatures. This includes:

• Insulating and sealing water meters to prevent freezing.
• Dressing warmly with thermal and protective clothing when going outside.

The cold front is expected to peak in early to mid-next week. While conditions may ease slightly around January 26 with the departure of low pressure, temperatures will likely remain below average.

Additional Weather Warnings

Additionally, weather patterns may bring dryness, strong winds, and heavy snowfall, especially around January 21–22 and again on January 24. The KMA warns that these conditions could lead to significant accumulations of snow along the west coast.

As the winter progresses, staying informed about weather updates is crucial for safety and well-being during this period of extreme cold.