Cold snap hits across South Korea, inland areas drop below freezing
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Shopkeepers trimming scallions while warming themselves with an electric heater at a wholesale market in Incheon, South Korea.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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SEOUL - A strong cold front gripped much of South Korea on Nov 3, with temperatures in many inland regions dropping below freezing.
Driven by a continental high-pressure system moving from northern China, morning temperatures fell by 5 deg C to 10 deg C compared with Nov 2. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued cold wave advisories for several inland areas, including parts of Seoul.
Gyeonggi province’s Paju recorded a low of minus 3.8 deg C, while Cheorwon, in Gangwon province, dropped to minus 3.1 deg C.
In Seoul, the central observatory in Jongno District reported a low of 0.5 deg C, but localised readings showed sub-zero temperatures in several districts, including Eunpyeong and Gwanak.
Daytime highs will range from 11 deg C to 18 deg C, and the cold is expected to persist until Nov 4. Forecasts show lows between 1 deg C and 11 deg C on the morning of Nov 3 and highs between 4 deg C and 20 deg C later in the day.
Although temperatures may return to seasonal norms by Nov 5, the average for early November remains relatively low.
The weather system also brought strong winds and high waves to coastal areas.
Marine warnings were issued for parts of the southern and eastern seas, including waters near Jeju Island.
Wind speeds are forecast to reach 30kmh to 65kmh, with wave heights of 2m to 4m. Some areas of the East Sea may see waves over 5m.
The East Sea and waters off Ulsan are expected to experience rough conditions throughout the day, with additional advisories likely. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
