Cold spell to grip nation this week

People hold their umbrellas tight against heavy rain and strong winds in downtown Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

By Lee Hyo-jin

A cold spell is expected to hit the nation this week as temperatures are forecast to drop sharply following the heavy rain nationwide, according to the state weather agency, Monday.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the downpour accompanied by strong winds is anticipated to sweep across the country until Wednesday.

Most parts of the nation are likely to have 10 millimeters to 40 millimeters of rain, with southern Jeju Island and Mount Jiri being forecast to see over 60 millimeters. The rain may be coupled with thunder and lightning in some areas, while some regions may see snow, including northern Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province.

The KMA has issued strong wind alerts for central inland regions and the southwestern Jeolla provinces.

Temperatures began to drop sharply on Monday afternoon. The KMA predicted morning lows to fall to 2 degrees Celsius in Seoul on Tuesday, and plunge further to nearly 1 degree on Friday, marking the season's coldest weather to date. Midday highs will also remain under 10 degrees Celsius through Friday.

The cold snap will be relieved on Saturday afternoon, and the temperature will begin to rise again afterward to the annual average.