Across the nation, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as weather forecasts signal significant rainfall and snowfall during the upcoming March 1st holiday. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has warned residents to prepare for intense weather across much of the country from the evening of March 2nd through the morning of March 3rd. Given the existing weather patterns, many regions are bracing for potential disruptions due to heavy rainfall, snow accumulation, and accompanying high winds.
According to the KMA, the forecast for March 1st sees temperatures ranging from -2 to 7 degrees Celsius with daytime highs reaching 10 to 18 degrees. While this is milder than usual, significant precipitation is expected to begin accumulating as early as the afternoon, starting predominantly over Jeju Island and the Jeolla region before spreading nationwide. Rainfall predictions vary with Jeju set to receive between 5 to 30 mm, whereas regions such as Chungcheongnam-do and Honam can expect 5 to 20 mm of rain. Lower amounts of approximately 5 mm are forecast for areas including the capital region and some northern provinces.
The more concerning forecasts come for March 2nd and 3rd, when precipitation levels are projected to peak significantly. Heavy rainfall is anticipated for the east coast and mountainous regions of Gangwon-do, where totals could reach 30 to 80 mm, and localized amounts may exceed 100 mm. For Jeju, forecasters predict rain between 20 to 80 mm with mountainous regions again potentially exceeding 100 mm. Conversely, the rest of the Yeongnam region can expect totals of 20 to 60 mm.
Alongside the rainfall, snowfall predictions are equally alarming. The KMA anticipates accumulations of 20 to 50 cm across Gangwon’s eastern areas and mountains, with the possibility of up to 70 cm of snow expected. For Gyeongbuk’s eastern mountains, estimates suggest 10 to 40 cm, and the Seoul region could see 3 to 10 cm, with some areas like northern Gyeonggi and northern Chungbuk potentially witnessing 10 to 20 cm of snow.
The alarming rise of precipitation is fueled by conditions set forth this weekend, where warm and humid air is projected to clash with cold air from the north as the barometric pressure drops. This interaction is anticipated to result not just in rain but also prompt the transitions to snow as temperatures drop, moving from March 2nd overnight through March 3rd.
This upcoming weather pattern creates several potential hazards. Roads and public transport systems are advised to brace for closures due to heavy snowfall, particularly where power outages may occur from high winds. Preliminary safety measures such as preparing winter driving gear and checking emergency kits are highly recommended as traffic disruptions are anticipated. The KMA has also indicated the danger of black ice on roadways, especially with temperatures fluctuacting dramatically during the day.
Estimates of wind speeds also present cause for concern as predictions suggest gusts exceeding 20 meters per second, contributing to property and infrastructure risks. Residents are cautioned to remain indoors during the peak of the storm, particularly from late March 2nd where visibility may dwindle rapidly.
The storm will not only affect transportation networks but also push temperatures down following the mild conditions preceding and during the holiday weekend. By March 3rd, as the colder front arrives, temperatures will potentially dip below freezing once again, with morning lows expected between -1 and 7 degrees across the country. The KMA has indicated this sharp weekly temperature decline following the holiday, with projections showing overnight lows returning to the -1 to 3 degrees range.
Many localities have lifted earlier drought warnings due to the expected precipitation, signifying both relief and caution over the forthcoming storm's impacts. While the increase in moisture may finally help replenish some water sources, the threat of flooding remains significant, particularly for coastal and low-lying areas drawing concern from local officials.
Municipalities are gearing up for emergency responses, with local authorities advising residents to heed alerts and be prepared to evacuate if necessary should conditions warrant. New shelters are being made available for community members, particularly the elderly and those without resources to weather the dangerous conditions. Emergency kits with supplies, food, and medications are being distributed to at-risk populations.
Overall, storm preparedness is key as this tumultuous weather front approaches. With weather systems clashing across the nation, proactive measures taken by citizens and local governments alike are imperative for ensuring safety throughout this volatile weather period. Residents are urged to stay tuned to local forecasts and adhere to any advisories issued by the KMA.