First Workday After Lunar New Year Brings Chilly -8°C Morning

The first workday after the Lunar New Year holiday on January 19 will be clear nationwide with a significant temperature swing throughout the day.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, daytime temperatures on Thursday are forecast to reach 5 to 13 degrees Celsius. While afternoons will feel mild at around 10 degrees, morning temperatures will drop below freezing in most regions except the southern areas.

Morning lows are expected to range from -8 to 2 degrees Celsius, in line with seasonal averages, though strong winds will make it feel even colder.

The eastern coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon Province will experience very dry conditions, requiring extra caution for wildfire prevention.

Wind gusts along the eastern coast are expected to reach approximately 55 km/h (15 m/s) in some areas. Mountain regions may see gusts of up to 70 km/h.

With clear skies nationwide, fine dust levels are forecast to remain "moderate" across most regions.

Wave heights are expected to reach 0.5 to 3.5 meters in the East Sea coastal waters and 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the West and South Sea coastal waters. Offshore waters within approximately 200 kilometers of the coastline are forecast to see waves of 1.0 to 3.5 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.