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[Weather] Deep freeze across Korea with season's first snow warning in the capital

2025/02/04 09:00

Just when we thought we were stepping into spring with longer daylight hours and more bearable temperatures the coldest air of the season has moved into the country. A cold wave warning has been issued for the first time this winter in the capital area. The wind chill makes it feel closer to minus 17 degrees Celsius in Seoul, so bundle up tight all day. On top of that, heavy snowfall is expected in many of the western regions. More than 40 centimeters of snow is in store for mountainous regions on Jeju, up to 30 centimeters in Jeollabuk-do Province into Thursday. Seoul stays under clear skies with a high of minus 6 degrees, Busan and Jeju are also getting trapped in cold weather. Snow is in the forecast on Thursday in the capital. Meanwhile, the cold wave alert should remain in effect for most parts of the country for the rest of the week and into the weekend. Make sure to dress in layers and protect yourself from the harsh wind. If possible, limit your time outdoors and keep warm!

People leave Santorini after increase in seismic activity

2025/02/04 10:00

Over in Greece, the tourist island of Santorini, is on alert after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded between February 1 and 3. The most substantial quake, a magnitude 4.8, occurred on Monday local time, leading to landslides and rockslides on the island. In response, authorities have closed schools in related areas, advised residents and tourists to avoid abandoned buildings, and issued tsunami warnings. Emergency teams, including rescue units and medical personnel, have been deployed as a precaution. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has urged residents to stay calm and adhere to protection guidelines. The frequency and intensity of the recent quakes have led to many residents to temporarily leave the island.

[Weather] Cold wave warnings issued across the country, snow is forecast

2025/02/03 20:00

Even though today is 'Ipchun' on the solar calendar, which means the beginning of spring, cold wave advisories and warnings have been issued all over the country. Even in the middle of the day today, temperatures stayed below zero degrees Celsius in the Seoul metropolitan area. Starting with the Jeolla-do provinces, snow will expand to the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province tonight. Heavy snow of up to 25 centimeters is expected in Jeollabuk-do Province. On the west coast, snow is expected to become thick from dawn tomorrow. Please take extra precautions. Most of this snowfall will continue until Thursday, and until the weekend in the southwest and Jeju Island. Tomorrow, Seoul will be as cold as minus 13 degrees in the morning. Daejeon and Gyeongju at minus 9 degrees. Daily highs will only move up to minus 5 in Seoul, Chuncheon will reach minus 4 degrees. The cold wave will continue this whole week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Cold wave warnings, snow forecast all over the country

2025/02/03 17:00

On the very first Monday of February, an untimely cold wave has come around. As a strong cold wave moves south from the north, cold wave advisories and warnings are in place all over the country. Even in the middle of the day today, temperatures remained below zero degrees Celsius in the Seoul metropolitan area. In addition, starting with the Jeolla-do provinces, snow will spread to the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province tonight. Heavy snow of up to 25 centimeters is expected in Jeollabuk-do Province and up to 15 centimeters is also predicted on the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province and rest of the southwest. Most of this snowfall will continue until Thursday, and until the weekend in the southwest and on Jeju Island. Tomorrow, Seoul will be as cold as minus 13 degrees in the morning. Gwangju and Busan at minus 6 degrees. Daily highs will only move up to minus 5 in Seoul, Daejeon will reach minus 3 degrees. This cold wave will remain throughout this whole week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Brutal cold snap for week of Ipchun

2025/02/03 10:00

Today is Ipchun, the start of spring on the seasonal calendar but brace for the coldest week of the season, forget about the weekend's warmth. A cold wave advisory was re-issued for the upper parts of Korea. Tomorrow morning it will feel like minus 20 degrees Celsius in the capital. Gangwon-do and southern provinces are seeing a mix of rain and snow this morning, it will snow up to 1 centimeter. Then heavy snow will return to Jeolla-do Provinces from late this evening, piling up to 25 centimeters until Wednesday, Chungcheong-do could see more than 15 centimeters of massive snowfall. The capital and Gyeongsang-do Province will be under sunny skies, but biting winds will add more chill to the air. Seoul gets up to minus 2 degrees, 9 degrees lower than yesterday, Daegu at 2 degrees. Jeju and Jeolla-do should receive snow possibly into the weekend. Meanwhile, a rapid drop in readings will be no joke with this whole week looking to be a freezing one. It's going to be a long week. Bundle up tight.

[Weather] Warmer weekend before major cold snap next week

2025/01/31 20:00

Snowy weather continued on this last day of January, making travel difficult on the roads. Rain will move into the southwest tonight and gradually spread to the rest of the central and southern regions on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jeju and Gyeongsang-do Provinces could see rain until Sunday, with Jeju expecting heavier showers of up to 70 millimeters. Some areas in Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do provinces may also see snow. Seoul will stay dry this weekend, and temperatures will climb well above seasonal norms. However, much colder weather is on the way next week. Looking at tomorrow's temperatures, Seoul starts off at minus 2 degrees Celsius, while Daejeon begins the day at 1 degree. Afternoon highs will reach 7 degrees in Seoul and 8 degrees on Daegu. Although the seasonal calendar shows next Monday as Ipchun, the start of spring, it will feel more like midwinter with freezing temperatures ahead. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the weather conditions around the world.

Snow in central regions through this evening, warmer weekend

2025/01/31 17:00

On and off flurries and sleet were pounding down on this last day of January, making travel on the roads tougher. There will be rain in the southwest tonight, gradually spreading to the rest of the central and southern parts of Korea on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jeju and Gyeongsang-do provinces could see rain until Sunday with heavier rain in the forecast on Jeju with up to 70 millimeters. Parts of Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do provinces could see snow as well. Seoul will be free from precipitation this weekend and warmth returns with highs going way above seasonal norms. But icy weather is ahead of us next week. Checking on tomorrow's temperatures first, Seoul starts the day at minus 2 degrees Celsius, Daegu and Gwangju at 3 degrees. Then Seoul gets up to 7 degrees, Jeju makes it to 14 degrees. The seasonal calendar may say next Monday is Ipchun, the start of spring, but it will feel more like mid-winter with freezing temperatures. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

[Weather] Snow and rain in central areas, rise in highs

2025/01/31 10:00

The long Seollal holiday has passed in a blink of an eye, but the snowy and freezing weather made the travel harsh in many parts of the country over the holiday. Snowy conditions continue in central parts of Korea. Between 1 and 5 centimeters of snow are in store throughout the day. Northern parts of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province will see a mix of rain and snow today. Holiday snow hasn't completely melted yet on the sidewalks, so please walk and drive with care. The cold snap has eased, afternoon highs will be 1 to 5 degrees higher today, getting up to 2 degrees Celsius in the capital and Chuncheon, Daegu and Busan top out at 10 degrees. Weekend weather looks promising with warmth but there could be more wintry precipitation across Korea. Then there will be a major cold snap next week, mornings will drop down to below minus 10 degrees Celsius in the capital despite Monday marking Ipchun, the onset of spring, on the seasonal calendar. Get ready for freezing morning commute next week.

Ongoing heavy snow causes flight cancellations during Seollal holiday

2025/01/28 18:00

South Korea is seeing heavy snow this Seollal holiday, causing numerous flight and ferry cancellations, as well as road accidents across the nation. Our Lee Soo-jin starts us off. Heavy snow is blanketing South Korea this Seollal holiday. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on Tuesday, heavy snow warnings have been issued across the nation including for the cities of Daejeon and Sejong, and for Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, and Jeollabuk-do provinces. A heavy snow warning is issued when snowfall is forecast to exceed 20 centimeters over a 24-hour period. As of 12 PM on Tuesday, the snowfall accumulated since midnight on January 27th in certain districts in Seoul has reached nearly 16 centimeters. Meanwhile, more than 40 centimeters was seen in Jincheon-gun County situated in the central part of the country. The heavy snow has led to the cancellation of one-hundred-eleven flights as of 11 AM, including 68 at Incheon Airport and 16 at Jeju Airport. And passenger ferry services for 96 vessels on 73 routes including those between Yeosu City and Geomundo Island have faced disruptions. The Korea Railroad Corporation, also announced that KTX trains on certain lines will be operating at reduced speeds for safety on Tuesday. And not only is the snow expected to persist, but the subzero temperatures are likely to cause it to freeze. On Wednesday, the actual day of Seollal, morning temperatures are forecast to reach minus seven degrees, with feels-like temperatures falling to minus 12 degrees. With the ongoing heavy snowfall, there have been numerous traffic accidents. At around 9 PM on Monday, a van fell off the roadside in Yeongwol County in Gangwon-do Province, and earlier that day, there was a vehicle collision on an expressway heading towards the city of Gangneung, injuring nine people who had to be transported to hospital. And on Tuesday at 11:40 AM, a bus collided with a cargo truck on the Honam Expressway, a major expressway that runs through the southwest of the country, injuring six people. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Heavy snow blankets S. Korea during Seollal holiday

2025/01/28 12:00

South Korea is seeing heavy snow this Seollal holiday, causing even more traffic congestion and road accidents. Our Lee Soo-jin has the details. Heavy snow is blanketing South Korea this Seollal holiday. The Korea Meteorological Administration on Tuesday issued a heavy snow warning for the city of Suwon as well as eight other areas in Gyeonggi-do Province, an area that borders the capital city Seoul. Heavy snow warnings had already been issued for six areas within the province. A heavy snow warning is issued when snowfall is forecast to exceed 20 centimeters over a 24-hour period. But it's not just Gyeonggi-do Province that is seeing large amounts of snow. On Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island, snow has reached a whopping 120 centimeters, the height of a young child. And in the county of Muju-gun in Jeollabuk-do Province situated in the central-southern part of the country, snow has surpassed 80 centimeters. Certain districts in Seoul, meanwhile, have also seen almost 14 centimeters of snowfall. Not only is the snow expected to persist, but the subzero temperatures are likely to cause it to freeze. As of 8AM,.. temperatures in Seoul fell to minus 4-point-4 degrees Celsius while even the southeastern coastal city of Busan saw temperatures fall below zero. The heavy snow is also causing traffic delays on highways across the nation, particularly as tomorrow is the actual day of Seollal. It usually takes around five hours to drive from Seoul to Busan, but according to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 8 AM, the estimated journey time for that route is 7 hours and 20 minutes. The agency also said that peak traffic congestion is expected at around 12 PM and 1 PM with conditions easing around 8 PM or 9 PM. It urged drivers to drive cautiously due to the slippery roads. The Korea Railroad Corporation, announced that KTX trains on certain lines will be operating at reduced speeds for safety on Tuesday. Since Monday, numerous road accidents have occurred due to the snow. At around 9 PM, a van fell off the roadside in Yeongwol County in Gangwon-do Province, and earlier during the day, there was an 11-vehicle collision on an expressway heading towards the city of Gangneung ,.. injuring nine people who had to be transported to hospital. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Heavy snowfall leads to severe traffic congestion on third day of Lunar New Year holiday

2025/01/27 18:00

It's a snowy third day of the Lunar New Year holiday, with a heavy snow warning issued across many regions, causing traffic delays. The Korea Expressway Corporation estimates that a total of 4-point-8 million vehicles are on the move today nationwide. The estimated travel time by car from Seoul is 6 hours to Busan, 5 hours to Daegu, and a little over 3 hours to Gangneung as of 5 PM. Traffic congestion is expected to clear by around 1AM or 2 AM on Tuesday. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has issued heavy snow warnings for central parts of the country, Jeju, Jeollabuk-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do provinces. It has activated the first level of the response system, and also raised the crisis alert level for heavy snow, from "attention" to "caution." Also, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, 10 flights were canceled as of 11 AM, due to heavy snow. The air quality in the central and western regions is also poor due to the first yellow dust of the winter.

Heavy snowfall to lead to severe traffic congestion in afternoon

2025/01/27 12:00

Meanwhile, here in Korea, it's a snowy third day of the Lunar New Year holiday, and heavy snowfall of three to five centimeters per hour is expected in many areas nationwide, possibly leading to severe traffic congestion in the afternoon. The Korea Expressway Corporation estimates that a total of 4-point-8 million vehicles are on the move today nationwide, with approximately 440-thousand vehicles traveling from the capital area to other regions, and about 390-thousand vehicles heading toward the capital. Traffic from the capital area to other regions is expected to peak between 4 PM and 5 PM. The estimated travel time by car from Seoul is 6 hours to Busan, 5 hours to Daegu, and a little over 3 hours to Gangneung as of 9 AM. Authorities have issued heavy snow warnings mainly for the capital region, Gangwon, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang-do provinces, and activated the first level of its response system. More snow is expected until possibly the Lunar New Year on Wednesday.

[Weather] Rain and snow along the east coast until tomorrow

2025/01/24 20:00

Seoul has weather like early spring today. Also, ahead of the holiday, most of the fine dust has cleared. These clear and warm conditions will continue throughout the weekend. There has been rain or snow from the afternoon along the east coast. It will relieve the dryness of the atmosphere. As for the snowfall, up to 15 centimeters of snow is forecast in the mountainous areas of Gangwon-do Province by tomorrow. There is a possibility of heavy snow advisories in this area. Up to 5 centimeters of snow is expected on the east coast of Gangwon-do and the mountainous areas of northeastern Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Tomorrow, Daejeon will start off at minus 2 degrees Celsius, Busan at 5 degrees. Daily highs will move up to around 10 degrees in most parts of the country tomorrow. On next Monday and Tuesday, more rain and snow is forecast all over the country. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Rain and snow until tomorrow on the eastern parts of the country

2025/01/24 17:00

A day before the Lunar New Year holiday, the ultra-fine dust has cleared. There were clear skies in the inland areas today. The weather is also milder than usual with highs of 9 degrees Celsius in Seoul, as warm as early spring. These milder conditions will continue throughout the weekend. Along the east coast, there has been rain or snow from the afternoon. It will relieve the dryness there. By tomorrow, up to 15 centimeters of snow is forecast in mountainous areas of Gangwon-do Province, and up to 5 centimeters on the east coast of Gangwon-do and the mountainous areas of northeastern parts of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Tomorrow, Seoul, Gwangju, and Daegu will start off at zero degrees. Daily highs will move up to around 10 degrees in most parts of the country tomorrow. More rain and snow is expected on next Monday and Tuesday across the country. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

New wildfire erupts in southern California

2025/01/24 17:00

A fresh and fast-moving wildfire is spreading through Los Angeles County. According to local authorities the Hughes fire which was first detected Wednesday morning had consumed over 10-thousand acres of land by Thursday afternoon. However no structures have been destroyed. This latest blaze comes just over two weeks after the catastrophic Palisades and Eaton fires in the LA area.

[Weather] Improved air quality, warmer than usual but freezing over Seollal holiday

2025/01/24 10:00

Yesterday's improved air quality was much appreciated. We should have normal air quality except for some of the central regions including here in Seoul with morning dust. A mix of snow and rain is in the forecast for east coast regions, which should help to ease the dryness in the air. Mountainous regions in Gangwon-do Province will see heavier snowfall of up to 15 centimeters into Saturday. Early spring warmth continues with a high of 9 degrees in the capital, 서울 and Gwangju at 12 degrees under sunny skies. Traffic has been much heavier this week. In Korea, it's common that before a holiday, people visit their business partners and clients to hand out gifts, exchange gifts, and wish them a happy new year. Warmer temperatures continue over the weekend but those traveling on the east coast need to drive with care. There is nationwide wintry precipitation in the forecast early next week and that will bring freezing air back to the country over Seollal holiday week. Plan accordingly for travel!

[Weather] Ultra-fine dust will clear a bit; rain or snow forecast on the east coast

2025/01/23 20:00

The skies have been filled with dust for four days now. The air quality in most parts of the country is still at a "bad" level with ultra-fine dust advisories still in place. As for the ultra-fine dust forecast, dust levels in many areas will gradually move back to "normal" levels tomorrow except for some areas in central and western parts of the country. Meanwhile, more rain or snow is forecast along the east coast between tomorrow night and Saturday to relieve the dryness. Until then, the atmosphere stays very dry with dry weather advisories. Tomorrow, Seoul will start off at minus 2 degrees Celsius, Chuncheon and Gyeongju at minus 5 degrees. Highs will move up to 9 degrees in Seoul. Daegu and Gyeongju will reach 12 degrees. Sunny and warm weather will be seen in inland areas this weekend. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Ultra-fine dust will ease off a bit; rain or snow on the east coast from tomorrow night

2025/01/23 17:00

The ultra-fine dust has been a problem for four days. We passed the worst of the smog yesterday, but the air quality in most parts of the country is still at a "bad" level. As a result, ultra-fine dust advisories are still in place. However, from this afternoon, the air has been starting to clear. Ultra-fine dust levels will gradually ease off tomorrow except for some areas in central and western parts of the country. Meanwhile, there is rain or snow forecast for the east coast areas between tomorrow night and Saturday to relieve the dryness. Until then, the atmosphere will stay very dry with dry weather advisories. Tomorrow, Seoul will start off at minus 2 degrees Celsius and Daejeon at minus 4 degrees. Highs will move up to 9 degrees in Seoul. Gwangju and Busan will reach 13 degrees. The weather will be mostly sunny and warm in inland areas this weekend. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Air quality should improve this afternoon, more unusual warmth

2025/01/23 10:00

After the season's worst dust storm, the air quality has improved a bit today. However, it will stay bad throughout this morning with a dust advisory remaining in place but more regions will see better air quality as the day goes on. Unfortunately, those of us in the capital area need to keep a face mask on, we will stay in the bad category all day today. Early spring-like warmth continues in most parts of Korea under sunny skies and it's forecast to be even warmer tomorrow with an expected high of 9 degrees in Seoul. Seoul gets up to 6 degrees, Daegu at 12 degrees. Mid-March-like temperatures in Busan at 14 degrees this afternoon. Those traveling on the road during the Seollal holiday need to keep the weather in mind, we have a wintry mix in the forecast early next week. Also Monday's mix will bring icy cold conditions to the country. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

[Weather] "Bad" levels of ultra-fine dust everywhere, dusty conditions continue tomorrow

2025/01/22 20:00

Ultra-fine dust fills the air for a third in a row. Here in Seoul, ultra-fine dust advisories have been issued with "bad" levels of ultra-fine dust. As more fine dust from overseas gradually flows in, the air quality is expected to worsen. In this milder weather, fine dust will continue until the weekend all over the country. Dust will fill the skies in most areas with "bad" levels of ultra-fine dust tomorrow. Please make sure to wear a protective mask when you go out. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Gyeongju will start off at minus 2 degrees Celsius, Daegu at minus 1 degree. Daily highs will move up to 7 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon. Daejeon will reach 10 degrees. There is more rain or snow forecast between Friday night and Saturday along the east coast. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.