Vehicles are stuck in a traffic jam in Gwangju in the midst of heavy snowfall on Jan 9, 2025. - Photo: Yonhap
SEOUL: Nationwide heavy snow is expected to signal the beginning of Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) holiday from Monday (Jan 27), according to the Korea Meteorological Administration on Friday (Jan 24).
A low-pressure system is expected to develop near China’s Shandong Province, bringing warm and humid southwesterly winds as well as cold and dry northwesterly winds at its rear.
Due to this low-pressure system, precipitation clouds will form in western areas from Jan 27, before gradually spreading across the country.
In coastal areas, rain will fall first before transitioning into snow, while inland areas, which will see low temperatures, can expect to see snow from the start.
The KMA added that there is also a chance of the low-pressure system strengthening significantly -- and if that is the case, heavy snow warnings, focused in central parts of South Korea and southern mountainous regions, could be issued.
On Jan 28 and 29, the low-pressure system will move toward the northeast, while the continental high-pressure system will expand from the southeast, bringing strong, northwesterly winds into the Korean Peninsula and continuous precipitation.
Specifically, heavy snow is expected to fall in the Chungcheong provinces and the Jeolla provinces over the two days, as snow clouds are expected to form as cold air passes over the relatively warm waters of the West Sea.
During this period, the difference between the sea surface and atmospheric temperatures is expected to reach about 20 degrees Celsius, enhancing the chances of strong snow clouds being developed.
The KMA added Korea will also see a significant temperature drop from Jan 28, as average nationwide temperatures are expected to drop 2 C lower than in previous years.
On Jan 28, both morning and daytime lows are expected to fall below freezing point, as such temperatures are expected to reach as low as minus 6 C and minus 1 C, respectively.
Temperatures are expected to drop more from Jan 29, with morning temperatures expected to range between minus 9 C and 4 C, and daytime temperatures expected to range between minus 1 C and 7 C, nationwide.
The KMA added that the temperatures will feel colder than actual temperatures, however, as wind chill temperatures are expected to dip due to strong winds.
Though subject to changes, the KMA added that temperatures will begin to return to average from Jan 30, accompanied by cloudy skies. - The Korea Herald/ANN
