As October draws to a close, Seoul experiences a classic autumn metamorphosis, marked by a significant temperature shift that invigorates the senses. On the final day of October, residents can expect clear skies across most regions, although the Gyeongsang area will see some periods of cloudiness. Meanwhile, Jeju Island also anticipates an increase in cloud cover as the day progresses.
The early hours bring with them a dense fog that blankets the southeastern Gyeonggi region, the interior and mountainous zones of Gangwon, the inland areas of Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gyeongbuk, and the western portion of Gyeongnam. Visibility in these areas could drop to less than 200 meters, while other parts may experience fog with visibility reduced to under 1 kilometer.
The day will be marked by gusty winds, particularly vigorous near the southern coastline and Jeju Island, where wind speeds could reach up to 55 km/h (15 m/s). This bluster accompanies the weather transition typical of this time of year.
The morning chill is set to range from 7 to 16 degrees Celsius, while the warmth of the day is expected to elevate temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. This fluctuation is a hallmark of seasonal change, bringing a refreshing briskness to morning activities, which transitions into a comforting balminess as the sun climbs higher.
In major urban locales, morning lows are projected as follows: Seoul will experience 11 degrees, Incheon 12 degrees, Chuncheon a brisk 9 degrees, with Gangneung seeing 11 degrees, Daejeon and Daegu will both hover around 10 degrees, Jeonju marks 10 degrees, Gwangju 11 degrees, while coastal Busan could start the day at 16 degrees, and Jeju Island at a milder 18 degrees.
The daytime highs, meanwhile, are predicted to be equally pleasant with Seoul and Gangneung both at 22 degrees, Incheon slightly cooler at 21 degrees. Daejeon and Daegu will join in at 22 degrees, Jeonju and Gwangju comfortably reach 23 degrees, and further south, Busan and Jeju could enjoy the warmth of 24 degrees.
Remarkably, air quality remains stable with fine dust concentrations staying at ‘normal’ levels throughout all regions, a welcome respite for those seeking to spend more time outdoors.
Notably, the shift from morning to afternoon temperatures creates a significant variance, with nighttime chills around 10 degrees contrasted by the day’s warmth, often exceeding a 10-degree difference, particularly pronounced in the inland areas. This swing is a seasonal signature that presents both chill and cheer in its swift transition from dawn’s brisk chill to midday’s gentle warmth.
Looking ahead to November 1st, residents should prepare for a more cloud-laden skyline across the country. While generally cloudy, the forecast suggests brief cloudy periods specifically in the metropolitan regions and Gangwon-do. Temperates are likely to drop slightly with morning lows pegged between 8 and 17 degrees, and daytime highs easing into a range of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.
This period ushers in the quintessential autumnal scenery that Korea is renowned for, where nature paints a breathtaking canvas of fiery hues and crisp air wraps the city in a refreshing embrace, offering the perfect backdrop for those enjoying the transformational beauty of the season.
