South Korea braces for dramatic weekend warm-up after icy freeze
From ice to nice - or at least, nicer as temperature set to rise over weekend
Following heavy snowfall on Thursday evening, roads iced over across Seoul due to a low snap on Friday, raising concerns of a difficult evening commute.
A sharp temperature shift is on the way for South Korea after a bitter low snap brought heavy snow and icy roads. Seoul recorded a morning low of minus 6.9 degrees Celsius on Friday, with some areas dipping below minus 16. But by the weekend, warm westerly winds will push daytime highs above 10 degrees in many regions.
Freezing conditions gripped the country on Friday after heavy snowfall on Thursday evening. In Seoul’s Nowon District, temperature plunged to minus 13 degrees, while Sinseo-myeon in Yeoncheon County saw a low of minus 16.3. The low caused snow to freeze rather than melt, turning streets into icy hazards. Morning commuters faced traffic jams, and officials warned of black ice forming again by late afternoon as melted snow refroze.
Afternoon temperature on Friday struggled to reach 5 degrees, with strong winds making it feel even colder. But a sudden warm-up is forecast for Saturday. Westerly winds will replace the cold northern airflow, sending Seoul’s high to 8 degrees—10 degrees warmer than Friday. By Sunday, the city could hit 12 degrees, with many central regions also climbing above 10.
Despite the warmer days, mornings will stay chilly. Low temperature before dawn is still expected to drop below 5 degrees, keeping frost risks in place.
The weekend’s mild spell will bring relief after days of freezing weather and treacherous roads. However, the lingering morning low means residents should keep winter precautions in place. Authorities continue to monitor icy patches, especially as refreezing remains a risk during the evening commute.
