Cold air from the northwest has brought early winter temperatures across South Korea, with morning temperatures dropping by as much as 10 degrees Celsius in some areas, prompting a cold wave advisory in most regions.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, morning lows on October 28 are expected to range from minus 2 degrees to 7 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will be between 11 and 17 degrees.
In Seoul, the morning low is forecasted at 2 degrees, while Incheon will see 3 degrees, Daejeon 1 degree, Gwangju 3 degrees, Daegu 1 degree, and Busan 7 degrees. Some inland areas, including Paju, Yeoncheon, Cheorwon, Jecheon, Yeongyang, and Cheongsong, are expected to drop to minus 2 degrees.
With the added chill from the wind, the perceived temperature will be lower than the actual readings. The temperature difference between day and night in inland areas could reach 10 to 15 degrees, and frost or ice may form in some regions.
This cold spell is expected to last until October 29, with temperatures returning to seasonal averages starting October 30.
A cold wave advisory does not require temperatures to drop below zero. According to the KMA's criteria for cold wave advisories, one of the following conditions must be met from October to April of the following year:
- Morning lows drop more than 10 degrees from the previous day to below 3 degrees and are also expected to be more than 3 degrees below the seasonal average.
- Morning lows are expected to remain below minus 12 degrees for two consecutive days.
- Significant damage is anticipated due to a rapid drop in temperatures.
Thus, even if the morning low is 2 degrees, if it drops more than 10 degrees from the previous day and is more than 3 degrees below the seasonal average, it can meet the criteria for a cold wave advisory.
A cold wave warning has stricter criteria than an advisory. It can be issued if morning lows drop more than 15 degrees from the previous day to below 3 degrees and are also expected to be more than 3 degrees below the seasonal average, or if temperatures below minus 15 degrees are expected for two consecutive days. It also applies if significant damage is anticipated due to a rapid drop in temperatures.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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