Arctic Blast Freezes Korea: Seoul Hits -13°C, Nationwide Temps Near -10°C
A severe cold wave from the Arctic has gripped South Korea, plunging temperatures into dangerous lows. As the nation continues to cope with this extreme weather, significant temperature drops have been recorded across various regions. The cold has particularly impacted the central areas, where morning temperatures hovered around -10°C.
Seoul’s Freezing Temperatures
On January 20, Seoul registered a chilling morning temperature of -13°C, with the wind chill making it feel like -16°C. This marks a drastic drop compared to average January temperatures, which typically do not see such lows. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), this cold snap is attributed to a strong continental high-pressure system.
Nationwide Temperature Trends
The cold wave has prompted the KMA to issue cold weather alerts across the entire Gyeonggi Province and beyond. Here are some of the notable temperature readings from various locations:
- Paju (Panmunjom): -20.4°C
- Yeoncheon (Sinseo): -18.8°C
- Pocheon (Pocheon 2-dong): -18.7°C
- Gapyeong (Buk-myeon): -17.3°C
- Yangju: -16°C
Snowfall and Wind Advisory
In addition to the freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall is expected, particularly along the western coastal areas and islands. A heavy snow warning is in effect for regions like Jeju and the Honam western coast, with forecasts indicating up to 30 cm of snow on Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and 25 cm in the mountainous areas of Jeju.
Strong winds are also contributing to the discomfort, especially along the coastline of Chungcheongnam-do and the Honam region. The combination of frigid temperatures and high winds is expected to drive the perceived cold even lower.
Forecast and Expectations
The KMA forecasts that this cold wave will reach its peak on January 21, with temperatures in Seoul expected to drop to a chilling -14°C. Residents throughout the nation should prepare for continued frigid conditions lasting into the weekend.
