Even though the start of winter in November has passed, strange weather continued for a while with daytime temperatures exceeding 20 degrees. However, in the past two days, temperatures have plummeted and winter cold has suddenly arrived. In the case of Seoul, the daytime temperature exceeded 20 degrees on the 16th, but the weather was forecast to be below freezing on the morning of the 18th.
It is a sudden drop in temperature that occurs when cold air from the north rapidly flows into the place of the ‘mobile high pressure’ that pulled warm air from the south of the Korean peninsula, and there are also predictions that this type of unpredictable weather may occur frequently in the future.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 18th, from 8 p.m. the previous day, Gangwon-do (Yangyang Plain, Jeongseon Plain, Gangwon Southern Busan region), Chungbuk (Okcheon, Yeongdong), Jeonnam (Damyang, Gokseong, Gurye, Jangseong, Suncheon, Wando, Yeonggwang), and Jeonbuk (Gochang) A cold wave advisory has been issued for Sunchang and Jeongeup), Gyeongnam (Yangsan and Gimhae), Jeju (Jeju Island), Daejeon and Busan (eastern Busan and central Busan).
In particular, 1 to 5 cm of snow was predicted to accumulate in the mountains of Gangwon, and the highest daytime temperature dropped by 5 to 10 degrees nationwide. The highest daytime temperature in Seoul the previous day was 10 degrees, a significant drop from 21 degrees the day before. A cold wave warning is issued when the morning minimum temperature is more than 10 degrees lower than the previous day and is below 3 degrees, the temperature is expected to be 3 degrees lower than the average temperature, or significant damage is expected due to a sudden low temperature phenomenon.
On this Monday, the temperature dropped further on the way to work, and it was predicted that the first sub-zero cold of the year would arrive nationwide. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the lowest temperature in Seoul on the morning of the 18th will drop to minus 2 degrees. The temperature is 8 degrees lower than the previous day and about 2 to 3 degrees lower than normal.
In other metropolitan areas, the lowest morning temperature was expected to fall below freezing in all regions except Incheon and Gwangmyeong. In Icheon, Yeoju, and Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the temperature was forecast to be -3 degrees, Suwon, Seongnam, Gwacheon, Uiwang, and Anseong were forecast to be -2 degrees, and Anyang was forecast to be -1 degrees.
Until recently, due to the influence of mobile high pressure, warm winds flowed in from the south of the Korean peninsula and cold air from the north was blocked, resulting in mild weather with daytime temperatures exceeding 20 degrees despite the end of the season (last 7th). In Seoul, the highest daytime temperature was about 11 degrees higher than normal.
Regarding the cause of this abnormal climate, an official from the Korea Meteorological Administration said in a phone call with CBS Nocut News, “When the mobile high pressure is affected, the amount of solar radiation (on the Korean Peninsula) also increases. The main reason (of the recent warm weather) is that the amount of solar radiation (than usual) was higher than usual.” He explained, “In addition, when a mobile high pressure system is established near our country, warm air rises from the south, and it also serves to block cold air coming down from the north.”
However, the Korea Meteorological Administration explained that a ‘sudden cold spell’ came as the ‘mobile high pressure’ retreated and the ‘continental high pressure’ created by the accumulation of cold air quickly pushed towards the Korean Peninsula. However, the Korea Meteorological Administration predicted that the continental high pressure will remain on the Korean Peninsula for about two days, so normal temperatures are expected to return from the 20th.
An official from the Korea Meteorological Administration said, “After the rain on the 16th, the continental high pressure expanded in the northwest of Korea, bringing down cold air from the north as well.” He added, “If the influence time (of the continental high pressure) increases, the cold will persist, but on Wednesday ( “The temperature is expected to rise from the 20th,” he explained.
The Korea Meteorological Administration added that the phenomenon of irregularly alternating cold waves and warm weather may continue in the future. An official from the Korea Meteorological Administration said, “Every time a seasonally cold air pocket passes through our country, a cold wave arrives, and when the air pocket passes, the cycle of warm air affecting the Korean Peninsula repeats.” “It was said to be a phenomenon, but these days, this cycle is so irregular that (this phrase) has no meaning anymore,” he said.
Topic 1: Recent Weather Patterns in Korea
– How would you describe the recent weather patterns in Korea, and what factors have contributed to this unusual climate?
– Can you explain the difference between a mobile high-pressure system and a continental high-pressure system, and how each affects Korea’s weather?
– In your opinion, how can individuals and communities prepare for these sudden weather changes, particularly with regards to temperature fluctuations and potential snowfall?
– What other regions or countries have experienced similar weather patterns this winter, and how might climate change be playing a role in these shifts?
Topic 2: Future Predictions for Korea’s Weather
– What are the current predictions for Korea’s winter weather and when might we return to more seasonable temperatures?
– How will climate change potentially impact future winter weather patterns in Korea, both short-term and long-term?
– Do you think there are any measures that can be taken to mitigate the effects of these sudden temperature fluctuations, or are they simply a part of life in a temperate climate like Korea?
