This winter is expected to be generally similar to the average in temperature, with a high chance that February next year will be warmer than average.
According to the "three-month winter outlook" (December 2025–February 2026) that the Korea meteorological Administration released on the 24th, temperatures in December this year are likely to be similar to the average (0.5–1.7 degrees). However, temperature volatility by week will be high: the first week of December will be lower than the average (1.9–3.7 degrees), and the fourth week will be higher than the average (-0.6–1.4 degrees).
Temperatures in January next year will be similar to the average (-1.5 to -0.3 degrees), and in February they are likely to be generally higher than the average (0.6–1.8%). The Korea meteorological Administration said this is "because anticyclonic circulation near Korea is expected to strengthen, raising temperatures."
Precipitation is projected to be generally lower than average in December and higher in February. Even if there is little rain or snow, the probability of a meteorological drought occurring this winter is analyzed to be low. A meteorological drought is declared when the precipitation over the past six months falls far short of the average level.
Sea surface temperatures around Korea in winter are expected to remain higher than average. An official at the Korea meteorological Administration said, "A sea that does not cool even in winter can supply a lot of heat to land, potentially bringing an extreme warm spell or heavy snow."