(C) JTBC

The Korean Peninsula is bracing for what is expected to be the most severe cold wave of the season. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), a "deep freeze" will grip the nation through the upcoming weekend, with morning lows dropping as low as -18°C in some regions.

Freezing Temperatures and Wind Chill
On Saturday, January 24, the mercury is expected to plummet well below seasonal norms. The KMA forecasts:

Morning Lows: -18°C to 0°C
Afternoon Highs: -5°C to 6°C

Temperatures are projected to remain at least 5°C lower than the historical average. The central regions and southern inland provinces will see morning temperatures hovering around -10°C, with daytime highs failing to rise above the freezing mark, maintaining a persistent and dangerous chill.

Extended Cold and Heavy Snowfall
The arctic blast will show no signs of relenting on Sunday, January 25. Morning temperatures on Sunday are expected to stay within the -18°C to -3°C range, with afternoon highs mirroring Saturday's chilly forecast of -5°C to 6°C.

In addition to the cold, several regions are facing heavy snowfall through Saturday morning:

Jeonbuk & Jeonnam Coast: 2 to 7 cm
Gwangju, Jeonnam Inland, Jeonbuk Inland, Jeju Mountains: 1 to 5 cm
Southwestern Gyeongnam: Approximately 1 cm

Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
The prolonged cold has already begun impacting major infrastructure. On January 22, as Seoul recorded a low of -14°C, 119 rescue boats were deployed near the Gwangnaru Pier to break the ice on the frozen Han River to ensure emergency dispatch routes remained clear.

Authorities are advising citizens to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia, particularly for the elderly and outdoor workers. Homeowners are also encouraged to insulate water pipes to prevent bursting during the peak of the freeze.

 
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