On the 15th, the warmest January temperatures since weather observations began were recorded in many parts of the country. In Changwon, South Gyeongsang, the temperature rose to 19 degrees. Even in areas that did not set a daily high, warm weather continued everywhere. On Jeju Island, it climbed to 20.4 degrees in the afternoon.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said that as of 4 p.m. that day, the daily high for January was broken in places including ▲ Chupungnyeong, North Chungcheong, 14.6 degrees ▲ Boseong, South Jeolla, 18.3 degrees ▲ Goheung, 17.8 degrees ▲ Changwon, South Gyeongsang, 19 degrees ▲ Gimhae, 18.9 degrees ▲ Miryang, 18.9 degrees ▲ Hapcheon, 18.6 degrees ▲ Sancheong, 18.4 degrees ▲ Daegu, 18 degrees ▲ Pohang, North Gyeongsang, 17.9 degrees ▲ Yeongcheon, 17.2 degrees.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said, "A relatively warm southwesterly wind flowed in between a low pressure system passing north of our country and a high pressure system located over waters south of Japan, and sunshine during the day raised temperatures," adding, "As the southwesterly wind crossed the Taebaek Mountains, temperatures also rose mainly in Yeongdong, Gangwon."
Mild weather appeared nationwide. Daytime temperatures were about 3 to 10 degrees higher than the average (1 to 8 degrees). The day's highs were ▲ Seoul 10.2 degrees ▲ Gungchon, Samcheok, Gangwon, 15.7 degrees ▲ Yeongdong, North Chungcheong, 15.5 degrees ▲ Gowun, Sejong, 13.1 degrees ▲ Gwangyang, South Jeolla, 19.1 degrees ▲ Onsan, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang, 21.1 degrees ▲ Guryongpo, Pohang, North Gyeongsang, 20 degrees ▲ Gujwa, Jeju, 20.4 degrees.
Although temperatures rose during the day, caution is needed because morning temperatures can plunge below freezing. The Korea Meteorological Administration said, "For the time being, due to radiative cooling, ground-level morning temperatures will fall below freezing in many places," adding, "There is a high chance of icy roads or black ice on roads, so extra caution is needed."