South Korea is bracing for a stretch of turbulent late-winter weather, as strong winds, sporadic rain, and a sweeping wave of yellow dust combine to create challenging conditions across the country. On February 22, 2026, the nation’s inland regions are expected to experience rain accompanied by powerful gusts, with meteorologists warning of a complex mix of hazards that could impact everything from air quality to public safety.
According to Sisun News, the day’s temperature forecasts show a patchwork of chilly lows and mild highs: Seoul will see temperatures from 9°C to 10°C, Chuncheon from 5°C to 12°C, and Gangneung from 10°C to 16°C. Further south, Daejeon and Cheongju will reach highs of 14°C, Daegu will warm up to 19°C, and coastal cities like Busan and Jeju will enjoy highs of 18°C and 17°C, respectively. However, the relative warmth comes with a catch—fine dust levels are expected to be ‘bad’ across all these regions, raising concerns about air quality and respiratory health.
Bnt News highlights another pressing risk: as daytime temperatures climb, ice covering rivers, lakes, and reservoirs is likely to thin and break. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has urged the public to exercise caution around bodies of water, warning, “There is a risk of the ice breaking as it becomes thinner with the rise in daytime temperatures. Please pay special attention to safety accidents.” The recent spell of warmer weather has also thawed previously frozen ground, weakening the soil and increasing the risk of road subsidence, landslides, rockfalls, and even retaining wall collapses—especially near construction sites and residential areas.
While some forecasts early in the day suggested that fine dust levels might remain at ‘normal’ in parts of the country, the arrival of yellow dust from the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolian Plateau is set to change the picture dramatically. As reported by Yonhap News TV, “Yellow dust originating from the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolian Plateau will move into South Korea’s airspace starting this afternoon, causing higher than usual fine dust concentrations in many areas.” The National Institute of Environmental Research projects that air quality will become “very bad” nationwide by the evening of February 22.
Some regions may even witness the unusual phenomenon of yellow dust rain, as sand particles mix with precipitation. The KMA cautions, “In some areas, rain may be mixed with sand dust, leading to yellow dust rain.” This rare event is expected to continue into February 23, keeping particulate matter suspended in the air and prompting health advisories for sensitive groups.
Wind is another major player in this week’s weather drama. Bnt News and YTN both report that gusts could reach speeds of 55 km/h (about 15.3 m/s) nationwide, with mountain areas experiencing even fiercer winds up to 70 km/h (about 19.4 m/s). As of February 22, a strong wind warning is in effect for Gangwon Yeongdong, while Seoul, the metropolitan area, Yeongseo, and coastal regions are under strong wind advisories. Mountain and coastal zones could see gusts as high as 20 m/s, and most other areas can expect winds around 15 m/s—enough to rattle windows and, more worryingly, increase the risk of wildfires in already dry regions.
The Yeongnam area, in particular, faces heightened wildfire danger, with the KMA warning, “The air is very dry in the Yeongnam region, and strong winds are increasing the risk of wildfires. Please exercise special caution.” The combination of dry air and powerful gusts has led to dry weather warnings for the Gangwon East Coast and southeastern Jeonnam, with the possibility of wind advisories expanding to the Seoul metropolitan area if conditions worsen.
The weather rollercoaster doesn’t end there. Forecasters predict that after the mild highs of February 22, a sharp cold snap will sweep in by the morning of February 23. YTN notes, “Although daytime temperatures will be above 10°C today, tomorrow morning will see a significant drop, with most regions experiencing a brief cold snap below freezing.” Bnt News provides more detail: on February 23, morning lows will range from -4°C to 6°C, with highs between 3°C and 12°C. Seoul is expected to dip to -2°C in the morning, while even coastal cities like Busan and Jeju will see lows of 3°C and 4°C, respectively.
The unsettled weather will continue through the week. According to Bnt News, February 24 will bring mostly cloudy skies, with rain and snow starting in the Jeonnam region and Jeju during the early morning hours and spreading nationwide by midday. Some areas will see precipitation linger into the evening, while others may experience a wintry mix of rain and snow. The KMA advises, “From February 27 to 28, precipitation is expected due to a pressure trough, with rain and snow in southern regions and Gangwon Yeongdong.”
Looking further ahead, the forecast calls for mostly cloudy to clear conditions from March 1 to March 4, as a high-pressure system settles over the peninsula. Morning lows during this period will range from -2°C to 9°C, and daytime highs will hover between 7°C and 14°C. However, meteorologists caution that the development and movement of weather systems could still change, especially around the end of February, so staying tuned to the latest updates is wise.
Amid all these weather twists, the KMA continues to issue reminders about safety and preparedness. The agency emphasizes the importance of monitoring local advisories, especially for those living near rivers, construction sites, or in regions prone to wildfires and landslides. “Please pay attention to the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions,” the KMA urges.
For South Koreans, this week is shaping up to be a vivid reminder of how quickly late winter can swing between warmth and cold, calm and chaos. With yellow dust clouds on the horizon, gusty winds rattling the landscape, and the constant threat of wildfires and landslides, vigilance and flexibility will be key to navigating the days ahead.