Heavy Snowfall Expected in the Korean Peninsula and Japan

Affected by the eastward movement of an upper-level trough (Figure 1), it is expected that from the 23rd to the 25th, parts of North Korea and northern South Korea will experience moderate to heavy snow, with localized blizzards. The cumulative snowfall is anticipated to be between 6 and 14 millimeters, with some areas potentially exceeding 20 millimeters (Figure 2). The 24-hour new snow accumulation depth is forecasted to be 4 to 8 centimeters, with localized depths exceeding 10 centimeters. Temperatures in these regions are expected to drop by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius, while parts of northern and eastern North Korea, as well as eastern South Korea, will see temperature decreases of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius, with some local areas experiencing drops of more than 16 degrees Celsius (Figure 3). Additionally, strong winds of 6 to 7 on the Beaufort scale are expected, with gusts reaching 8 to 9 on the scale.

On the 26th, as the upper-level trough continues to move eastward, most regions of Japan will experience moderate to heavy snowfall, with some areas facing severe to extreme blizzards. Localized regions may see extraordinary heavy snowfall, with cumulative snowfall amounts ranging from 8 to 16 mm, potentially exceeding 40 mm in isolated areas. The 24-hour new snow accumulation depth is expected to be 4 to 8 cm in most areas, 15 to 25 cm in some regions, and over 30 cm locally. These areas will also be accompanied by strong winds of 6 to 8 levels, with gusts exceeding level 9.

Attention should be given to the adverse impacts of severe wind and snow conditions on local power infrastructure, transportation, and other industries.

Figure 1  Forecast of 500 hPa Geopotential Height (Unit: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field (Unit: m/s) at 12:00 (UTC) on December 25

Figure 2  Accumulated Precipitation from 00:00 on December 23 to 12:00 on December 26 (Unit: mm)

Figure 3  24-hour Temperature Change (Unit: °C) at 2 metersas of 12:00 (UTC) on December 25

 Author: Yan Dachun                             Reviewer: Cai Xiangning

 English reviewer:  Wang Yi                                                                     Issue approver:  Dai Kan