The weather forecast for March 16, 2025, predicts significant changes nationwide, marking a stark shift from the recent warm spring weather to cold, wintry conditions. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, most regions will experience rain or snow, and temperatures are set to drop significantly throughout the day. This abrupt change is expected to hinder the blooming of flowers, bringing about what is termed as 'flower cold' conditions.
Starting early on Sunday morning, precipitation is expected to begin in the Gangwon mountainous areas, the seaside districts of Busan, and Jeju Island. The rain and snow will soon expand to the Seoul metropolitan area by late morning. By afternoon, widespread rainfall and snowfall will blanket the entire country, creating potential hazards for transportation and outdoor activities.
On March 17, the cold air will continue to affect the region, yielding morning temperatures below zero degrees Celsius across much of the country. The morning low is anticipated to drop drastically to about 1-6 degrees Celsius, significantly colder than previous days. To compound the struggles against the cold, the Korea Meteorological Administration has projected high winds, with gusts expected to soar to 20m/s, particularly affecting coastal regions.
The predicted snowfall will vary greatly depending on the region. Eastern Gyeonggi is forecasted to receive between 3-8cm, meanwhile Seoul could see merely around 1cm. Heavier snow is anticipated, with forecasts for 10-20cm of snow accumulation in the mountainous areas of Gangwon Province, where the density of snowfall can potentially create dangerous conditions on roads.
Specific regions, like northern Gyeongbuk, also expect considerable snowfall, between 5-20cm due to the cold front sweeping down from the north. The forecast for March 16-17, suggests northern Gyeongbuk could see rates of 1-3 cm per hour of dense snowfall, compounding the already challenging weather conditions.
Conditions are predicted to worsen as heavy rain could blend with snow as temperatures drop significantly. Most areas can expect total rainfall accumulations of 5-10mm, with the mountainous regions of Gangwon facing the heaviest precipitation levels of 10-40mm.
Safety warnings are being issued across the country, with authorities stressing the risk of heavy, wet snow causing property damage and creating slippery conditions on roads. "Substantial snow accumulations may lead to safety hazards," officials cautioned, emphasizing the importance of preparation for residents across impacted regions.
Beyond the immediate forecast, additional rain and snow are anticipated to return as the week rolls on, particularly around March 18-19, when conditions may worsen again with the arrival of fresh cold fronts. This scenario raises the prospect of 'cold flower' conditions continuing for several more days, affecting seasonal plans for many.
With temperatures forecasted to drop significantly—Seoul seeing the afternoon high of only around 6 degrees Celsius—colder than what was experienced just days before—the weather shift has left many concerned about the toll on budding plant life and the disruptions it may cause for outdoor activities. Overall, the dramatic changes forecast represent not just individual weather events, but broader seasonal challenges as South Korea grapples with distinct shifts between winter and spring.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant as they navigate the unpredictable weather, and to prepare for the possibilities of icy road conditions, especially during early morning commutes on March 17.