Officials caution against fire hazards and advise on temperature fluctuations this weekend
Category: World News
South Korea is bracing for a dry spell this weekend, with the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issuing warnings for several regions, particularly along the eastern coast of Gangwon and parts of North and South Gyeongsang provinces. This dry weather, influenced by a high-pressure system over the southern seas near Japan, is expected to persist and poses a heightened risk of wildfires and other fire-related incidents.
On March 22, 2026, the KMA reported that the dry weather advisory has been expanded to include areas around the eastern coast of Gangwon, parts of North Chungcheong, North Gyeongsang, and the mountainous regions of Jeju Island. The agency noted that the atmosphere remains very dry, significantly increasing the risk of fires. Officials urged residents to exercise caution, particularly around flammable materials and heating devices, to prevent accidents.
"With the dry conditions continuing, we must be vigilant about fire safety, especially near forested areas," said a KMA official. "Activities such as burning trash or agricultural fields are strictly prohibited, and we advise people to remain cautious when engaging with any potential fire sources during outdoor activities." This warning comes at a time when the temperature fluctuations between day and night are expected to be quite pronounced, with differences of up to 20 degrees Celsius.
On March 22, daytime temperatures across the nation are projected to reach between 14 to 19 degrees Celsius, which is slightly above the seasonal average. The KMA forecasts that temperatures will vary significantly, especially inland, where morning temperatures could hover around freezing, around 0 degrees Celsius. Specific forecasts for various cities include:
Meanwhile, the KMA has also warned of potential frost formation across inland areas, advising farmers to take necessary precautions to protect crops. The forecast for March 23 indicates that morning lows could dip to between -1 to 9 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs ranging from 12 to 21 degrees Celsius. By March 24, morning temperatures are expected to remain low, between -1 to 8 degrees Celsius, with highs reaching 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Conditions across the country are expected to remain mostly cloudy, with Jeju Island anticipated to experience overcast skies and light rain, accumulating less than 5mm. This rain is expected to fall from the afternoon into the evening on March 22. The KMA also noted that visibility may be severely reduced due to dense fog affecting areas such as the western coastal roads and regions near rivers and lakes, particularly during the morning hours.
"Visibility may drop below 1 kilometer due to fog, particularly around the coastlines and inland valleys," the KMA cautioned, emphasizing the need for drivers to exercise caution and adjust their speeds accordingly. The fog is expected to clear later, but the potential for dense fog remains a concern through the morning of March 22.
On March 23, the weather is forecasted to be clear during the day but will gradually cloud over by late evening. The KMA predicts that strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 55 km/h (approximately 15 m/s), will affect the coastal regions of Gyeongsang Province from the afternoon into the night. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and remain cautious of potential accidents due to these windy conditions.
Officials have reiterated the importance of vigilance during this dry weather period. "The combination of dry weather, large temperature variations, and localized strong winds increases the risk of fire and safety incidents," a KMA representative noted. "We urge everyone to remain aware of the conditions and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents, especially concerning agriculture and transportation, due to the potential for frost and fog."
With spring now upon us, many citizens are taking the opportunity to enjoy the blooming flowers, particularly the canola blossoms near Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) on Jeju Island, where residents were seen reveling under the spring sun on March 21. The juxtaposition of the vibrant spring scenery against the backdrop of weather warnings serves to remind everyone of the unpredictable nature of the season.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and advisories from the KMA, especially during this period of fluctuating temperatures and dry conditions. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to help mitigate risks associated with the current weather patterns.