Cold snap expected as temperatures set to drop this week

Tourists wearing thick winter coats walk around Gyeongbok Palace in Jongno District, Seoul, amid cold weather, Jan. 7. Yonhap

A blast of cold air from the northwest is set to cause a significant drop in temperatures this week beginning on Monday morning.

Temperatures are expected to plummet by 5 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius compared to Sunday, with morning lows ranging from minus 10 degrees to 1 degree above freezing and daytime highs of minus 8 degrees to 3 degrees, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

Strong winds are also expected, which will increase the wind chill effect even more.

The cold weather is expected to continue through Thursday, influenced by the frigid air.

Morning lows are expected to range from minus 15 degrees to minus 4 degrees on Tuesday. Especially in the inland areas of North Gyeongsang Province as well as central regions, people are likely to experience morning temperatures falling below minus 15 degrees.

Daytime temperatures will hover at around minus 8 degrees to 6 degrees, notably colder than usual.

Wednesday and Thursday mornings are forecast to be frigid, with temperatures ranging from minus 15 degrees to 4 degrees, and daytime temperatures from minus 5 degrees to 5 degrees, which is three to five degrees lower than the norm.

The cold weather is expected to persist throughout the week, until easing gradually on Friday. Early in the week, temperatures are expected to remain below freezing even during the daytime, but a recovery to above-freezing levels is anticipated on Friday.

The KMA advised caution during this cold wave, emphasizing that strong winds will exacerbate the low temperatures. It recommended that the elderly and children, especially those with weak immune systems, avoid outdoor activities as much as possible and that measures be taken to protect crops, livestock and fish from freezing.

Additionally, from Tuesday to Wednesday, most of the country will experience sunny conditions due to high air pressure. However, South Jeolla Province and Jeju Island may see clouds and snowfall influenced by clouds coming from the West Sea.