Cold Snap Continues As South Korea Prepared For Warmer Weather Ahead

On March 19, 2025, the weather across South Korea is expected to be largely clear, although the aftermath of a cold snap continues to grip the nation. Morning temperatures are predicted to linger below freezing, particularly in inland areas like Gangwon, where readings could dip below -10 degrees Celsius. Major cities like Seoul, Daejeon, and Daegu are also not spared, with temperatures forecasted at -3 degrees, -2 degrees, and -1 degree Celsius respectively. Meanwhile, daytime highs are only projected to reach between 6 and 12 degrees Celsius, translating to a range of 2 to 4 degrees lower than the seasonal average.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) warns that the chill, driven by a strong northwesterly wind, will make it feel even colder. “With the wind chill, the actual temperature may seem lower than it is,” said a KMA official, urging citizens to dress warmly if they are venturing outdoors.

Across the country, a significant temperature drop has been noted, with morning lows sticking around 0 degrees Celsius in most areas until March 20. The cold spell means that caution is advisable for those with weakened immune systems, like the elderly and young children. Effective heating measures should also be prioritized to prevent fire hazards, particularly when using heating devices like propane heaters and electric blankets.

Looking ahead, temperatures are set to gradually increase starting March 20, recovering to seasonal norms. The predicted high for March 20 is between 11 and 17 degrees Celsius, while morning lows will vary between -4 and 3 degrees Celsius. On March 21, temperatures will further climb, reaching highs between 13 and 22 degrees Celsius, significantly improving from early March conditions.

However, it’s not just the chilly temperatures that have residents on alert; road conditions remain a concern as nighttime freezes may leave surfaces icy. The KMA has advised that melting snow from warmer daytime temperatures is likely to refreeze at night, creating dangerous black ice conditions on roadways, especially on bridges and elevated surfaces, and motorists should exercise caution during travel.

The KMA warns that effective communication regarding road safety is crucial. “Some areas may experience icy roads due to snow and cold conditions, so drivers should remain vigilant,” they stated, adding that roads in shaded areas or small alleys are particularly at risk for treacherous conditions.

Winds are expected to increase in strength starting from the afternoon on March 20, particularly affecting the highland regions east of Gangwon, where gusts may reach over 90 km/h (25 m/s). Similar wind conditions could occur along the northeastern coast in areas such as Gangwon and Gyeongbuk, where gusts are expected to exceed 70 km/h (20 m/s). The public is advised to stay informed through KMA updates on weather conditions.

Coastal areas are also gearing up for rough waters as a storm surge warning is in place for specific regions, including the southern sea of the West Sea and parts of the South Sea. Waves are expected to rise to between 1.5 and 4 meters during this period, and residents are cautioned against venturing too close to the shore due to the potential for dangerous wave action.

As the week unfolds, the focus will also shift to visibility issues caused by fog in the countryside early on March 19, affecting regions like Chungbuk and Jeonbuk. Visibility was reported to be less than 1 km in certain areas, prompting advisories for drivers to take particular care to avoid accidents. Foggy conditions are predicted to lift as the day progresses.

In conclusion, while South Korea braces for a brief cold spell, residents are advised to remain cautious and attentive to evolving weather conditions as temperatures begin to stabilize and return to spring norms in the coming days. The KMA continues to monitor conditions closely, ensuring that the public is kept informed and safe during this transition.