Though warmer temperatures returned over the weekend, below-freezing temperatures are set to continue throughout the week, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.
According to the KMA, nationwide temperatures dropped by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius on Monday compared to Sunday’s temperatures as cold air moved southward from the northwest overnight, due to the expansion of the continental anticyclone from northern China.
Average nationwide morning lows ranged from minus 7 C to 0 C on Monday, while average daytime temperatures ranged between 1 C and 9 C.
Seoul and Incheon saw morning temperatures falling as low as minus 2 C, a decrease of 2.5 C compared to Sunday. In mountainous regions in Gangwon Province, including Yangyang-gun and Hwacheon-gun, morning temperatures fell as low as minus 15 C and minus 11 C, respectively. As of noon, Monday, a cold wave advisory was issued in some mountainous regions in Gangwon Province and North Gyeongsang Province.
The state weather agency added that temperatures are expected to dip further throughout the week, as cold air moves further into the Korean Peninsula. On Tuesday, average morning temperatures nationwide are expected to range between minus 10 C and minus 2 C, while average daytime temperatures are expected to range between 0 C and 6 C.
The cold weather is expected to peak Wednesday, with morning temperatures dipping as low as minus 10 C in eastern parts of Gyeonggi Province, North Jeolla Province, North Chungcheong Province as well as inland regions of North Gyeongsang Province. The KMA anticipates the cold wave warning issued in Gangwon Province and North Gyeongsang Province will expand into other provinces on Wednesday.
Strong winds exceeding 55 kilometers per hour are also expected to remain until Wednesday, with wind chill temperatures reaching as low as minus 10 C for the next three days.
Though subject to changes, the cold weather is expected to continue throughout the week, with morning temperatures between minus 12 C and 2 C and daytime temperatures between 0 C and 9 C. The atmosphere is also expected to feel more dry -- especially in some parts of Gangwon Province and coastal areas in the North and South Gyeongsang provinces where a dry air advisory is in effect as of Monday -- due to cold and dry winds consistently descending into the Korean Peninsula from the north.
lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com
