S. Korea sees coldest weather this winter

SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday experienced the coldest weather this winter with temperatures dropping to near record lows.

As of 5 a.m., the temperature in Seoul was minus 17 degrees Celsius, while the wind chill was minus 23.8 degrees, according to weather officials.

If the mercury drops to below minus 18 degrees, it will be the coldest weather since Jan. 15, 2001, when the temperature reached minus 18.6 degrees, the Korea Meteorological Administration said.

On Saturday, the agency issued a cold wave warning for Seoul for the first time in five years. Such a warning is issued if the morning low drops at least 15 degrees from the previous day and at least 3 degrees compared with the average year, or if the temperature remains below minus 15 degrees for two or more days.

Other parts of the country, including Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, near Seoul, are also subject to the warnings.

The weather agency urged special precautions for health and facilities, saying strong winds could cause the temperature to feel colder.

hague@yna.co.kr
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