South Korea faces an intense cold wave on March 28, centered over central inland regions. Daytime high temperatures are forecast to plummet nationwide to between -14°C and -23°C, with Naju expected to record the lowest at up to -23°C.
Current Morning Temperatures
At 5 a.m., temperatures across key areas stand at: Seoul 7.0°C, Incheon 4.5°C, Suwon 4.6°C, Chuncheon 3.7°C, Gangneung 8.5°C, Cheongju 7.5°C, Daejeon 7.0°C, Jeonju 8.2°C, Gwangju 8.2°C, Jeju 12.5°C, Daegu 13.1°C, Busan 15.1°C, Ulsan 11.8°C, and Changwon 14.9°C. These readings remain slightly below seasonal averages, which typically range from -1°C to 7°C in mornings and 12°C to 17°C during the day.
Forecast Daytime Highs and Cold Wave Impact
Forecasts indicate daytime highs will drop sharply to -14°C to -23°C across the country. The central region’s inland areas bear the brunt, with southern parts potentially seeing 20°C below zero and northern and eastern zones facing 15°C to 20°C drops. This cold snap heightens risks in high mountain zones like Sudogwon, inner Gangwon, Daejeon, Chungbuk, and Gyeongbuk, where heavy snowfall could lead to significant disruptions.
Low Visibility from Fog and Snow
Reduced visibility prevails in several spots due to fog and snow. Current readings show Chungnam at 60m, Chungnam Boryeong Samsido and Taean at 100m, Gyeonggi Yangju at 110m, and Jeonnam Sinan Huksando at 120m. Inland fog contributes to these conditions, urging caution for drivers.
Heavy Snow and Regional Warnings
Central regions forecast over 20cm of snow, while north and east winds bring 15cm to 20cm accumulations. Snow intensifies in Sudogwon, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong, Jeonbuk, Yeongnam, and Jeju, rated ‘bad’ for accumulation risks. Moderate snow hits Gangwon Yeongdong, Gwangju, and Jeonnam.
Fine Dust and Sea Wave Alerts
Fine dust levels prompt cautions in Sudogwon, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong, Jeonbuk, Yeongnam, and Jeju, with moderate concentrations elsewhere. Sea waves rise to 0.5m to 1.5m in the East Sea, 0.5m in the West Sea, and 0.5m to 1.0m in the South Sea. Distant sea areas beyond 200km offshore see similar heights of 0.5m to 1.5m in the East Sea and 0.5m to 1.0m in the West and South Seas.
