“On February 2nd, the day before Ipchun, buds appeared on the red plum tree in Tongdosa, Yangsan City, Gyeongsangnam-do. The mild weather is expected to drop significantly from the 3rd, Ipchun, with a severe cold wave sweeping across the country. / Newsis
The traditional start of spring, ‘Ipchun,’ is forecast to be accompanied by a powerful cold wave across the country.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on February 2nd, cold air from the northwest will cause a significant drop in temperatures nationwide, starting from the 3rd, which is Ipchun. On Sunday, the 2nd, temperatures were 2-5 degrees higher than usual, but on Monday, the 3rd, temperatures are expected to be 3-10 degrees lower than usual.
On the morning of the 3rd, the lowest temperatures are forecast to be between -9°C and 2°C, and the highest daytime temperatures are expected to be between -4°C and 5°C. In Seoul, the morning low is expected to be -7°C, with a daytime high of -2°C. Strong winds will make it feel even colder. Cold wave advisories have already been issued for areas like Yeoncheon, Pocheon, and Paju, and additional cold wave warnings may be issued for other areas.
On Tuesday, the 4th, temperatures are expected to drop an additional 5-10 degrees compared to the previous day, with the minimum temperatures nationwide ranging from -15°C to -5°C. In Seoul, the morning low could be as low as -13°C, with a daytime high of -6°C. This could be the coldest day this winter.
The severe cold will continue on Wednesday, the 5th, with morning temperatures ranging from -18°C to -4°C, and daytime temperatures staying between -8°C and 4°C. Perceived temperatures could drop below -20°C in some areas. The Korea Meteorological Administration explains that the cold air mass from the north will linger, leading to colder than average weather throughout the next week.
Ipchun is the first of the 24 solar terms that divide the year based on the sun’s movements, marking the start of spring. A significant drop in temperature around Ipchun hasn’t occurred since 2020. Last year, the average temperature during Ipchun was 5.5°C, with a minimum of 2°C and a maximum of 9.3°C, which was much warmer.
Heavy snowfall is also forecast, particularly in the Chungcheong and Jeolla regions. The Korea Meteorological Administration stated, “From the morning of the 3rd in Jeju Island, and from the morning of the 4th around the west coast of Chungnam and the western parts of Jeonbuk and Jeonnam, 1-3 cm of snow per hour is expected, and a heavy snow warning may be issued.” Between the night of the 3rd and the 4th, the capital region could see less than 1mm of precipitation, and the Chungcheong region could see about 5mm, while the Jeolla and Gyeongsang regions could see between 5-20mm of rain.”