Korea Weather: Snow & Rain for Coastal Areas, Up to 13°C Highs Today

South Korea is bracing for a mix of weather conditions as the Lunar New Year holiday continues. While much of the country will see cloudy skies giving way to sunshine, the eastern coastal regions are forecast to experience rain or snow, particularly on Monday, February 16th.

Weather Outlook for February 16th

The eastern coast, including areas in Gangwon Province and North Gyeongsang Province, is expected to see precipitation beginning in the late night hours of Sunday, February 15th, and continuing through the afternoon of February 16th. Busan and Ulsan may also experience rain or snow later in the day. Most areas will become clearer as the day progresses.

Potential for Heavy Snowfall

The mountainous regions of Gangwon Province are under particular scrutiny, with forecasts predicting snowfall accumulations of 3 to 8 centimeters (up to 10 centimeters in some areas). The eastern coastal areas of Gangwon Province could see 1 to 5 centimeters of snow, while the northern mountainous regions of North Gyeongsang Province may receive 1 to 3 centimeters. The northern coastal areas of North Gyeongsang Province could see up to 1 centimeter.

Did You Know? The mountainous regions of Gangwon Province could experience snowfall rates of 1 to 3 centimeters per hour, potentially leading to the issuance of a heavy snow advisory.

Temperature Forecast

Temperatures across the country are expected to be near seasonal averages, with morning lows ranging from -6 to 4 degrees Celsius and afternoon highs between 4 and 13 degrees Celsius. Specific regional forecasts include Seoul (-2 to 6°C), Busan (5 to 13°C), and Jeju Island (4 to 8°C).

Dry Conditions and Fire Risk

A dry weather advisory is currently in effect for the eastern coastal and mountainous regions of Gangwon Province, as well as parts of North Gyeongsang Province, Busan, and Ulsan. While precipitation along the eastern coast may alleviate these conditions, the risk of fire remains elevated in areas with strong winds.

Expert Insight: The combination of dry conditions and strong winds creates a heightened risk of wildfires, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures in vulnerable areas.

Air quality is expected to be generally good to moderate nationwide, although the southern regions of the Korean peninsula may experience slightly elevated levels of particulate matter due to lingering pollutants from previous days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are most likely to see snowfall?

The mountainous regions of Gangwon Province are expected to receive the most significant snowfall, with accumulations of 3 to 8 centimeters (and potentially over 10 centimeters in some areas). The eastern coastal areas of Gangwon Province and the northern mountainous regions of North Gyeongsang Province are also likely to see snow.

What are the expected temperature ranges?

Morning lows are forecast to range from -6 to 4 degrees Celsius, while afternoon highs are expected to be between 4 and 13 degrees Celsius.

Are there any areas with a high fire risk?

A dry weather advisory is in effect for the eastern coastal and mountainous regions of Gangwon Province, as well as parts of North Gyeongsang Province, Busan, and Ulsan, indicating a heightened risk of fire.

As the Lunar New Year holiday continues, will you adjust your plans based on the changing weather conditions?