Spring Warmth Returns Thursday as Central Korea Faces Air Quality Alert

Thursday will bring mostly clear skies across the nation.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, morning lows will range from -7 to 2 degrees Celsius, with afternoon highs reaching 7 to 13 degrees Celsius, bringing mild weather during the day.

However, fine dust concentrations will be elevated in central regions as residual particulate matter from the previous day combines with domestically generated pollutants amid stagnant atmospheric conditions.

Air quality will be rated "unhealthy" in the Seoul metropolitan area, western Gangwon Province, Chungcheong Provinces, North Jeolla Province, and the Daegu-North Gyeongsang region. Other areas will see "moderate" levels, while Gwangju-South Jeolla and Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang regions may experience temporarily "unhealthy" conditions in the morning.

Dense fog is expected in many inland areas of central provinces, Jeolla region, and Gyeongsang region, requiring caution for traffic safety.

Dry weather advisories remain in effect for Gangwon's east coast and mountainous areas as well as the Gyeongsang region, with extremely dry conditions increasing fire risk.

Wave heights in coastal waters will reach 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the East Sea and 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the West and South Seas. Offshore waters within approximately 200 kilometers of the coastline are forecast to see waves of 0.5 to 2.5 meters in the East Sea, 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the West Sea, and 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the South Sea.