South Korea awoke on February 24, 2026, to a wintery scene that stretched from the southernmost tip of Jeju Island to the inland reaches of Gyeongsang and beyond. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the day began with subzero temperatures and the promise of rain or snow blanketing nearly every region—conditions that would test both commuters and emergency responders across the peninsula.
As dawn broke, those heading out for the morning commute were met with biting cold, with temperatures ranging from -6°C in the coldest pockets to a relatively mild 5°C in a few southern locales. The KMA warned, “Freezing rain is expected in inland areas causing slippery roads; caution is advised for pedestrians and drivers.” That advice proved timely as freezing rain and snow created treacherous conditions, particularly on untreated roads and sidewalks.
Jeju Island was the first to feel the brunt of the weather, as rain began falling there before sunrise. By mid-morning, the precipitation had spread northward, enveloping the rest of the country. The KMA reported that rain and snow would persist throughout the day in the Seoul metropolitan area, inland Gangwon, Chungcheong, and western Jeonbuk, lasting until nightfall. In Jeolla Province, the wet weather was forecast to continue into the early hours of February 25—an extended dose of winter for a region already weary from a season of extremes.
For some, the snowfall was more than just a seasonal inconvenience. Heavy snow warnings were issued for inland North Gyeongsang and western inland South Gyeongsang, with the potential for accumulations exceeding 10 centimeters in certain Yeongnam inland areas. The KMA’s forecast detailed, “Expected snowfall amounts: 3 to 8 cm in parts of Gyeongsang region with some areas exceeding 10 cm, 2 to 7 cm in southern Gangwon mountains, 1 to 5 cm in Chungbuk, and about 1 cm in southern Gyeonggi.”
Elsewhere, the precipitation was less dramatic but still significant. Rainfall totals were expected to reach 20 to 80 millimeters on Jeju, 10 to 40 millimeters in Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang, and 5 to 30 millimeters in Daegu and North Gyeongsang, as well as in Gwangju and South Jeolla. The combination of snow and rain meant that visibility was often poor and roads became slick, with the KMA cautioning, “Visibility will be low and roads slippery where rain or snow occurs; icy conditions expected.”
In the midst of this meteorological drama, the risk of wildfires remained top of mind for many, particularly in the Gyeongnam region. Recent weeks had seen a spate of large fires fueled by persistent dryness, and the forecasted precipitation was a welcome reprieve. As YTN reported, “Dry weather and wildfire risk persist until precipitation begins. Heavy snow advisory warnings have been issued for parts of North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang provinces, including Hamyang.” The much-needed moisture was expected to ease, if only temporarily, the ongoing fire risk. “Today, nationwide rain or snow will allow us to briefly worry less about wildfires,” YTN’s weather caster noted, adding that dryness warnings would likely be lifted or eased as the precipitation continued.
However, the relief was expected to be short-lived. Even as snow and rain fell, meteorologists cautioned that the Yeongnam region would remain vulnerable to fires into March, thanks to a forecast of ongoing dryness and higher-than-normal temperatures. “Despite the precipitation, fire risk remains high in Yeongnam region into March due to ongoing dryness and higher-than-normal temperatures. Residents are urged to remain vigilant against wildfires,” YTN emphasized.
Temperatures throughout the day remained stubbornly low, with Seoul registering just 1.4°C and Daegu 1.9°C in the morning. Daytime highs were predicted to reach only 6°C in Seoul and 5°C in Daejeon and Daegu—figures that were lower than both the previous day and the seasonal average. “The temperature will not rise much under cloudy skies,” YTN observed, but did note a silver lining: “Temperatures are expected to rise significantly starting February 25, 2026.”
Looking ahead, the KMA outlined a week of varied weather. On February 25, central regions (excluding Gangwon Yeongdong) would see mostly clear skies, while Gangwon Yeongdong, southern regions, and Jeju would remain cloudy. The mercury would climb, with morning lows between -5°C and 8°C and daytime highs ranging from 9°C to 17°C. Precipitation would persist in some areas, particularly in the south and on Jeju, before giving way to clearer conditions by the weekend.
The extended outlook showed an ongoing pattern of mixed precipitation and fluctuating temperatures. The KMA predicted, “Weather forecast for February 25 to March 5, 2026, includes mixed precipitation and varying cloudiness with some rain or snow expected again in southern regions and Jeju.” Highs in early March were forecast between 8°C and 17°C, with lows from -2°C to 9°C. For those hoping for a break from winter’s grip, the forecast offered hope—but not certainty—of milder days ahead.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s weather on February 24 was less eventful but still wintry. According to Yonhap, “North Korea’s weather is forecasted to be mostly cloudy with occasional clouds over all regions.” Temperatures were expected to reach 6°C in Pyongyang, 3°C in Junggang, 5°C in Haeju and Kaesong, 10°C in Hamheung, and 4°C in Chongjin. The chance of precipitation was low, ranging from 0 to 20% depending on the region.
Back in South Korea, the maritime forecast called for waves of 0.5 to 3.0 meters in the East and South Seas, and 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the West Sea—conditions that, while not extreme, added another layer of caution for those on the water. Wind and dry weather warnings remained in effect as of February 23, with the KMA keeping a close eye on changing conditions and ready to update advisories as necessary.
For now, South Koreans are reminded to tread carefully—both on icy sidewalks and in the face of lingering fire risks. As the nation navigates this latest round of winter weather, a sense of vigilance and preparedness remains the order of the day.