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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.

[Weather] Ultra-fine dust will continue tomorrow with ultra-fine dust advisories

2025/01/22 17:00

There is ultra-fine dust over the capital for a third day in a row. The sky is covered with gray dust as if it was trapped in a gray curtain. 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. Preliminary measures to reduce the high concentration of fine dust were expanded to other central and western parts of the country including Gwangju and Jeollabuk-do Province. Is is highly likely that fine dust will continue until the weekend in these milder weather conditions. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Gyeongju will start off at minus 2 degrees Celsius, Busan at 4 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 7 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon. Gwangju and Daegu will reach 12 degrees. It is expected to rain or snow between Friday night and Saturday on the east coast. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Korea engulfed by nasty air, warmer than usual

2025/01/22 10:00

Korea is engulfed by dusty air with an ultra fine dust advisory issued in many regions. The concentration of fine dust is 3 to 4 times higher than normal levels. Other than in the east of Gangwon-do Province and on Jeju, we need to keep dust filtered mask on all day. Making matters worse, more dust will blow in this morning. AND The capital and west coast had a rough commute with thick morning fog. The east coast remains quite dry with a dry weather advisory being in place for more than a month. Strong wind will be no help. Be careful with anything that could start a fire. Afternoon highs will be 4 to 5 degrees higher than norms, topping out at 7 degrees in the capital, Daegu and Busan at 12 degrees under partly sunny skies. Unusual warmth will keep dust in the air through the end of the week, then the Seollal holiday next week will be a freezing one with much improved air. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

Rare snowstorm hits U.S. south

2025/01/22 10:00

Now to the U.S., where the southern region was hit by a rare snowstorm on Tuesday. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions were seen in cities including Houston, and New Orleans, with New Orleans expecting snowfall potentially matching a record set back in 1895. The rare weather conditions led to disruptions in air travel as well, with over 2,000 flight cancellations and 10,000 delays. Operations were also suspended at Houston's major airports. In response to the storm, several Gulf Coast states declared states of emergency, recommending residents to stay indoors and avoid travel.

Rare snowstorm hits U.S. south

2025/01/22 10:00

Now to the U.S., where the southern region was hit by a rare snowstorm on Tuesday. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions were seen in cities including Houston, and New Orleans, with New Orleans expecting snowfall potentially matching a record set back in 1895. The rare weather conditions led to disruptions in air travel as well, with over 2,000 flight cancellations and 10,000 delays. Operations were also suspended at Houston's major airports. In response to the storm, several Gulf Coast states declared states of emergency, recommending residents to stay indoors and avoid travel.

[Weather] Ultra-fine dust across the country, it will stay murky tomorrow

2025/01/21 20:00

High concentrations of fine dust have been rampant all over the country for two days in a row. For the first time this winter, preliminary measures to reduce the high concentration of fine dust were imposed in the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheongnam-do Province. Please take extra precautions when driving by keeping a safe distance. In particular, some parts of the Seoul metropolitan area have "very bad" levels of ultra-fine dust with ultra-fine dust advisories issued as well. This dusty air will continue to cover skies in most areas. You need to wear a protective mask outside. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at zero degrees Celsius, Chuncheon and Daegu at minus 2 degrees. Daytime temperatures will move up to 7 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon. Daejeon will reach 9 degrees. There is rain or snow forecast along the east coast in the second half of the week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Ultra-fine dust all over the country, poor air quality to continue tomorrow

2025/01/21 17:00

It's relatively mild, but on the way to work this morning, fog and ultra-fine dust were rampant. With the atmosphere stagnant, the air stays murky across the country today. In the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheongnam-do Province, preliminary measures to reduce the high concentration of fine dust are in place for the first time this winter. Please pay special attention to traffic safety by keeping a safe distance when driving. In particular, some parts of the Seoul metropolitan are have soared to "very bad" ultra-fine dust levels with ultra-fine dust advisories issued as well. Tomorrow this dusty air will fill out the skies in most areas. You need to wear a protective mask outside. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at zero degrees Celsius, Busan and Jeju at 3 degrees. Daytime temperatures will move up to 7 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon. Gwangju will reach 10 degrees. It is expected to rain or snow along the east coast later this week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Most of Korea trapped in severe levels of fine dust, warmer than norms

2025/01/21 10:00

Most of Korea is trapped in high levels of ultrafine dust. An ultrafine dust advisory has been issued in the capital, Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheongbuk-do Provinces. Even, Emergency Fine Dust Reduction Measures are in place for the capital area and Chungcheongnam-do Province. We could see dust level going to a very high level in the morning. Dusty air has built up since yesterday, it's best to avoid going outdoors if you can but when you do make sure to wear a face mask that can help filter out fine dust and cover as much skin as possible. It's better to keep your windows closed if you are in central regions. Afternoon highs will be as high as yesterday at 8 degrees Celsius in the capital, Daegu and Busan at 11 degrees. Sunny skies will be blurred with the dust. Warmer than average temperatures to continue with dusty air staying through the end of the week. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

Earthquake strikes southern Taiwan

2025/01/21 10:00

In Taiwan, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the southern region early on Tuesday, leaving 15 people with minor injuries. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration recorded, the quake struck at 12:17 a.m. roughly 38 kilometers southeast of Chiayi county hall, and with a depth of 9.7 kilometers. A 5.2-magnitude aftershock also occurred over an hour after the initial quake. The tremor resulted in 15 minor injuries, with six people rescued from a collapsed house in Nanxi District, Tainan City. Workers in this district, including those in the TSMC factory, have reportedly been evacuated. Last April, Taiwan suffered its strongest earthquake in 25 years, a 7.4 magnitude quake near Hualien City that led to at least 18 deaths.

[Weather] Milder cold continues this week with ultra-fine dust

2025/01/20 20:00

Today is 'Daehan' which means 'severe cold' on the traditional seasonal calendar. However, it is relatively mild throughout the day today. Seoul was as mild as early March during the day and these milder conditions will continue tomorrow across the country with Seoul reaching 8 degrees Celsius during the day. With mild conditions, the air continues to be murky all over the country. In particular, "preliminary measures to reduce the high concentration of fine dust" were issued in Chungcheongnam-do Province for the first time this winter to reduce fine dust in this area. There is a possibility that this ultra-fine dust will persist this whole week. Tomorrow, Seoul will start off at zero degrees, Gwangju at minus 1 degree. Highs will move up to 7 degrees in Chuncheon. Gyeongju and Jeju will reach 11 degrees. This week will be milder than usual. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Milder conditions, but with ultra-fine dust across the country

2025/01/20 17:00

Even though today is 'Daehan' which means 'severe cold' on the traditional seasonal calendar, there are no worries about the cold throughout the day. The morning temperature in Seoul was 3-point-1 degrees Celsius, far above the average level. It rose up to 8 degrees during the day, feeling as mild as early March. We'll see very similar weather conditions tomorrow across the country. However, with milder conditions, the ultra-fine dust has become a problem again. In particular, for the first time this winter, "preliminary measures to reduce the high concentration of fine dust" were issued in Chungcheongnam-do Province to reduce fine dust in this area. The air will continue to be bad all over the country tomorrow. Tomorrow, Seoul will start off at zero degrees, Chuncheon and Gyeongju at minus 4 degrees. Highs will move up to 9 degrees in Gwangju. Daegu will reach 10 degrees. For the remainder of the week, it will be milder than usual. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] No major cold snap on Daehan, dusty nationwide

2025/01/20 10:00

It's Daehan today, the last winter seasonal term meaning great cold. But temperatures will be way warmer than usual. However, central parts of Korea could see a mix of light rain and snow through late this afternoon. Today's warmth will bring dusty air to the country. Right now the capital area and Jeju are choking on bad air but when the temperatures go up this afternoon, the air quality will worsen nationwide. The season's first preliminary fine dust reduction measures have been issued in Chungcheongnam-do Province. Afternoon highs will be 2 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than norms, Seoul gets up to 8 degrees Celsius, Daegu and Busan and Jeju make it to 11 degrees. It will be cloudier in the western regions. The East Coast remains under a dry weather advisory. It's going to feel more like early March this week but air quality will cause a headache. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.