Late Winter Air Pollution Worsens Nationwide Air Quality: Essential Precautions Needed
Late winter is bringing a surge of air pollution across the nation, driven by northwesterly winds. This phenomenon is expected to severely impact air quality, particularly in several regions.
Regions Facing Deteriorating Air Quality
The air quality is predicted to reach unhealthy levels in the following areas:
- Seoul
- Gyeonggi Province
- Gangwon Yeongseo
- Chungcheong
- Gwangju
- Jeonbuk
- Daegu
- Gyeongbuk
Additionally, by evening, the situation is likely to worsen in Jeonnam, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam.
Source of Pollution
The National Institute of Environmental Research has reported that stagnant air will trap existing pollutants. This stagnant condition, coupled with the influx of high levels of particulate matter from overseas, exacerbates the air quality crisis.
Weather Conditions and Temperature
On the same day, temperatures are expected to be similar to or slightly above average. Morning temperatures in major cities are projected as follows:
| City | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Seoul | 2.0 |
| Incheon | 1.1 |
| Daejeon | 2.3 |
| Gwangju | 2.3 |
| Daegu | 3.4 |
| Ulsan | 3.3 |
| Busan | 4.2 |
Highs throughout the day are forecasted to range from 4°C to 12°C, indicating a relatively mild winter day.
Dry Weather Alerts
Several regions, including the East Coast of Gangwon and the Yeongnam area, are under dry weather advisories. Cities such as Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Pohang have experienced dry conditions for 48 consecutive days, the longest span since 2004, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Safety Precautions
Strong winds are also impacting the East Coast and Jeju, with gusts reaching 55 km/h and 70 km/h in mountainous areas. These winds increase the risk of fire due to small sparks igniting. Consequently, heightened caution is essential for fire prevention.
Furthermore, strong winds and high waves are expected in the waters south of Jeju and the eastern South Sea, necessitating careful attention to maritime safety.
With worsening air quality and weather-related risks, it is crucial to take essential precautions to protect health and safety during this late winter period.
