Mountainous areas may see 1 cm snow on 20th; clear skies until late October ideal for foliage viewing

A cold wind from the north is expected to blow on the 20th, with the first snow forecasted for Gangwon Province. As the entire country enters the heart of autumn, clear skies are expected to be enjoyed until the end of this month.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 19th, temperatures are expected to drop sharply below freezing from the 20th to the 22nd due to the influence of a cold continental high-pressure system expanding from northern China over the West Sea, the Yellow Sea. On the morning of the 20th, the lowest temperatures are forecasted to range from 2°C to 14°C, with daytime highs between 12°C and 22°C. On the 21st, temperatures are expected to be the coldest of the autumn so far, with lows of 1°C to 14°C and highs of 14°C to 20°C.

Due to the aftermath of the cold wind, the first snow of the autumn is forecasted for mountainous areas above 1,200 meters in elevation in northern Gangwon Province on the 20th. The expected snowfall on the 20th is around 1 cm. Some areas in the Yeongdong region of Gangwon Province and the Gyeongsang region may experience rain from the 20th to the 21st. The expected rainfall is around 5 mm.

In summer, South Korea is under the influence of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High, bringing heat, while in winter, the continental high-pressure system brings cold. The transitional period of autumn is when these large pressure systems change. The onset of cold, dry winds signifies that the country has entered the midst of autumn.

As minimum temperatures drop below freezing, autumn foliage is expected to color rapidly. This is because foliage begins to change color when minimum temperatures fall below 5°C. The autumn foliage front is expected to move southward from Seoraksan starting from late this month to early next month.

Until the 29th, clear skies are expected across the country without significant rain. With no fine dust, cold, and dry weather, the conditions will be ideal for enjoying autumn foliage. The Korea Meteorological Administration urged caution, stating, "Due to the influence of cold winds, frost may form, and the ground may freeze or become damp, so precautions are necessary to prevent accidents during autumn foliage hikes."

First Snow Forecast for Gangwon as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing