By Kim Tae-jong
The sudden cold spell that gripped the nation over the weekend, with the mercury falling below zero in most parts of the peninsula Sunday, will continue until Tuesday according to the state weather agency.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported a morning low of minus 2.2 degrees centigrade in Seoul, while the midday high stood at 5 degrees, falling by more than 10 degrees from Saturday.
Monday’s morning low could drop further to minus 3 degrees in Seoul with a daily high of 8 degrees, the agency said.
Although this was the first time for the temperature to fall below zero, it was 25 days later than in an average year, the KMA said.
In Daegwallyeong, a mountain pass in the country’s northeastern region just kilometers south of the inter-Korean border, the temperature plunged to minus 4.3 degrees.
The KMA said the icy weather will remain until tomorrow due to an extremely high pressure system from Siberia.
“It will be cold for another two days with temperatures below average although it will be sunny in most parts of the country,” a KMA spokesman said.
“After the high pressure from Siberia recedes, the temperature may rise again.”
The spokesman, however, said a cold spell could again grip the country in a few days as rain is forecast across the nation on Tuesday night or Wednesday.
e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr