First ice of the season observed in Seoul on Ip-dong, the Start of Winter; early-winter cold to last through the 8th

[Financial News]  On the 7th, early-winter cold persisted in parts of the country, with the season’s first ice observed in Seoul. Cold air moving down from the northwest pushed the morning temperature on Seoraksan down to −9°C, and subzero temperatures were also recorded in parts of the central and southern inland regions. Rain fell in the central region, including Seoul, while snow fell in the mountainous areas of Gangwon State; the cold spell is expected to continue through the 8th.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), as of 7 a.m. that day, the season’s first ice had been observed in Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon and Cheongju. Seoul’s first ice came 10 days later than last year and four days later than average. Incheon’s came four days later than last year but two days earlier than average. In Daejeon and Cheongju, the first ice formed four and five days later than average, respectively.
That morning, temperatures fell below freezing across inland areas of the country, while most other regions also recorded temperatures of 5°C or lower. Some areas, including Seoul, recorded their lowest morning temperatures of the autumn so far.
The cold is expected to persist for the time being.  Winds will be somewhat strong in most parts of the country, making it feel even colder. Through the 8th, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures will reach 10–15°C in most areas, so people should take care of their health.  On the 9th, temperatures will rise somewhat, with morning lows of 0–12°C and daytime highs of 11–15°C, but will remain below average. Rain is expected in the central region on the 8th. It will begin in northern Gyeonggi and central and northern Gangwon between 9 a.m. and noon, then spread to the Seoul metropolitan area and other parts of Gangwon State from 3 to 6 p.m. In northeastern Gyeonggi and the inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon State, rain may turn to snow. Most of the rain and snow is expected to stop between 9 p.m. and midnight that day.
Expected precipitation is around 5 mm in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi and the Five West Sea Islands, and less than 5 mm in Gangwon State, Sejong, northern South Chungcheong and central and northern North Chungcheong. Around 1 cm of snow is expected to accumulate in the mountainous areas of Gangwon State. On the 9th, less than 5 mm of rain is expected in Gwangju and South Jeolla, with 5–10 mm in Jeju Island and Ulleungdo and Dokdo.
In areas receiving rain or snow, roads may become slippery and visibility may be reduced. In particular, rain or snow may freeze on roads in northeastern Gyeonggi and the inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon State, creating patches of black ice, so caution is needed for traffic safety.
The risk of wildfires is also rising amid dry conditions. A dry weather advisory is in effect along the northern East Sea coast of Gangwon State, and the air is also dry in the Seoul metropolitan area and other parts of Gangwon’s Yeongdong region. Strong winds on the 7th could cause a small spark to grow into a major fire. The KMA urged people to refrain from burning near forests and to take particular care when using fire outdoors. The dry weather advisory may be lifted as rain falls on the 8th.
Strong winds and high waves also pose a hazard at sea. In parts of the East Sea and South Sea, as well as waters off Jeju Island, where high-wave advisories are in effect, waves are expected to reach up to 4 m from the 7th through the early hours of the 8th. Along the East Sea coast, swell waves may continue to wash over breakwaters and coastal rocks in some places.
On the 9th, skies will be mostly cloudy nationwide before clearing from the morning. On the 10th, skies will be mostly clear across the country, but the cold is expected to continue as morning lows fall again to between −3°C and 6°C.
There are also concerns about crop damage from frost and ice. Through the 8th, ice is expected to form mainly in the central region, eastern North Jeolla and inland parts of the Gyeongsang region; on the 9th, freezing is also expected in inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon State. Frost is expected in most parts of the country on the 7th, and mainly in inland North Gyeongsang on the 8th.
The KMA said, “People vulnerable to the cold, including children and older adults, should refrain from outdoor activities and take care to stay warm,” adding, “They should also take precautions against fires caused by heating appliances such as heaters and electric heating pads, as well as cold damage to crops.”

[email protected] Lee Bomi Reporter