In mid-April, unusual spring snow is falling in some areas. A 'heavy snow warning' has been issued in the mountainous areas of Gangwon Province, as well as in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province, and Gurye, South Jeolla Province. A somewhat chilly weather will continue, but starting from the 16th, typical temperatures are expected to return.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain or snow is falling in most regions nationwide. The Korea Meteorological Administration noted, "There may be gusts of wind along with thunder and lightning, and some areas may experience sleet."

On the 14th, spring snow continuously falls across the nation, and the snowy scenery of Baekdudaegan spreads beyond the magnolia trees piled with snow on the old road of Guryongnyeong in Yangyang, Gangwon. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency
On the 14th, spring snow continuously falls across the nation, and the snowy scenery of Baekdudaegan spreads beyond the magnolia trees piled with snow on the old road of Guryongnyeong in Yangyang, Gangwon. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

A 'heavy snow alert' has been issued in some areas of Gangwon, South Chungcheong, and South Jeolla provinces. It is expected that 1 to 5 cm of snow will fall in the mountainous areas of Gangwon Province until early the next day. In Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province, snow is expected until the night of the 14th, accumulating a total of 2 to 7 cm, and a heavy snow warning has also been issued for Gurye, South Jeolla Province.

In other regions, it is raining. Until early the next day, around 5 mm of rain is expected in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong Province, while 5 to 10 mm of rain is anticipated in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province, North Jeolla Province, and in Busan, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang Province, Daegu, and North Gyeongsang Province. Jeju Island is also expected to receive around 5 mm of rain.

A representative from the Korea Meteorological Administration said, "In areas experiencing rain or snow, visibility may decrease and some roads may be slippery," and added, "There may also be gusty winds with thunder and lightning, and sleet in some areas, so please pay special attention to the management of crops and facilities, as well as safety accidents."

The unfamiliar scene of snow accumulating on spring flowers is due to the presence of a cold low-pressure system (low-pressure vortex) accompanied by air colder than minus 30 degrees Celsius hovering over our country. In addition to the cold temperatures, strong winds are expected especially along the west coast of South Chungcheong Province, and the coastlines of Jeolla and South Gyeongsang provinces until the morning of the next day. In this region, winds exceeding 20 to 25 m/s are expected, and elsewhere in most parts of the country, there will also be places where instantaneous wind speeds exceed 15 m/s.

Until the next day, temperatures will be lower than average. The Korea Meteorological Administration stated, "Tomorrow morning's temperatures are expected to be similar to today, ranging from -2 to 7 degrees across most areas," and added, "The winds will also blow strongly, making it feel even colder." However, starting from the 16th, temperatures similar to the average are expected to return.