Thick morning fog reduced visibility to about 200 meters in western Seoul and several inland regions on Monday [1].
The sudden drop in visibility created hazardous conditions for commuters and air travelers, necessitating emergency warnings to prevent traffic and aviation accidents.
Inland areas of Gangwon, Chungcheong, and Jeonbuk experienced visibility levels of approximately 200 meters [1]. The weather conditions prompted authorities to issue a low-visibility warning at Cheongju Airport [2]. This alert was triggered by the presence of cool, moist air during the early hours of the day [6].
Temperatures remained mild during the fog's peak. Seoul recorded a temperature of 19.3 degrees Celsius [3], while Cheongju was slightly cooler at 18.3 degrees Celsius [4].
Meteorologists expect the fog to dissipate as the day progresses. Rising temperatures will cause the mist to lift, leading to clear skies and significant heat across the western inland regions [6].
Daytime highs are expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius in western inland areas [8]. Specifically, Seoul is forecast to reach a high of 32 degrees Celsius [5]. Gwangju and Daejeon are expected to see highs of 31 degrees Celsius [6], while the east coast in Gangneung will remain cooler with a high of 25 degrees Celsius [7].
“Visibility reduced to about 200 meters in Gangwon, Chungcheong, and Jeonbuk inland areas”
The rapid transition from dense morning fog to high daytime temperatures reflects the volatile atmospheric conditions common in the region. The issuance of a low-visibility warning at Cheongju Airport underscores the critical impact of localized weather on transportation infrastructure, while the projected 32-degree high in Seoul indicates a swift shift toward summer-like heat.
