Icicles are seen near the Han River as the temperature plunged below freezing in Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap)
Icicles are seen near the Han River as the temperature plunged below freezing in Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap)

South Korea is set to experience an intense combination of heavy snow and freezing temperatures during the final weekend of 2024, the Korea Meteorological Administration said Friday.

The weather agency forecasts heavy snowfall in central and southwestern regions -- Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces -- accompanied by bitterly cold temperatures nationwide this weekend.

The heavy snow, affecting South Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces as of Friday afternoon, is expected to intensify overnight and spread to southwestern Gyeonggi, northern South Chungcheong, southern Gyeongsang inland areas, and Jeju Island. By Saturday morning, snowfall is forecast to ease in most regions, though mountainous areas in Jeju may experience extended snowfall until early Sunday.

The KMA has predicted substantial snow accumulation in specific regions. Up to 20 centimeters of snow is expected in parts of North Jeolla Province, with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 centimeters per hour. Meanwhile, 3 to 10 centimeters of snow is forecast for parts of South Chungcheong, South Jeolla, and Jeju's highlands. Additionally, 1 to 5 centimeters of snow is expected in inland areas, including southern Gyeonggi, North Chungcheong, and western Gyeongsang, as well as in Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

As the snow falls, time-sensitive safety measures are urged, including thorough snow removal operations to avoid accidents caused by icy roads, the KMA said. Drivers in areas anticipating snow are strongly encouraged to exercise caution, as reduced visibility and slippery conditions could lead to traffic disruptions or vehicle accidents, the KMA added.

Additionally, freezing cold temperatures will sweep across the country. Morning lows on Saturday are forecast to range between minus 13 degrees and zero degrees Celsius, with the nation’s capital, Seoul, dipping to minus 7 degrees. Daytime highs are expected to hover between minus 2 and minus 6 degrees, which is below seasonal averages.


jenn@heraldcorp.com