I don’t know why I’m so hesitant to go outside, even though it’s already April. They say it’s spring, but sometimes it’s so chilly I wonder if I should dig out my winter coat, and then suddenly it gets hot. You all feel the same way, right? Especially looking at today’s weather, it’s so unpredictable that I wonder, ‘Is this really true spring?’
Honestly, spring is a season full of excitement. Cherry blossoms bloom, and it’s great for outings. But the weather lately is just… it feels like it’s playing ‘expectation management’ with us. Just when you think, ‘Ah, it’s spring!’ it’s like it throws cold water on you, saying, ‘Not yet!’ I’ve dug into what exactly is wrong with this fickle April weather.
1. Rain Across the Country, Umbrellas Are a Must-Have!
There’s rain expected across the country today. Especially in Busan, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan, strong winds and rain are expected until morning, so be careful on your commute. In the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, Chungcheong, and Jeonbuk regions, rain will fall in the morning and mostly stop, but some areas in eastern Gyeonggi and Chungbuk may see rain until the afternoon, and inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon until evening, so don’t let your guard down.
You all know that you need to be especially careful when driving on rainy days, right? Visibility can be short, and roads can be slippery. On such days, safe driving is paramount. If rain is forecast, there are a few things you should definitely bring:
- Sturdy umbrella: A sturdy umbrella is essential to prevent it from turning inside out in strong winds and rain.
- Waterproof shoes: Your feet will feel uncomfortable all day if they get wet.
- Spare clothes or a towel: It’s reassuring to have them in your bag for any unexpected situations.
2. Fickle April Temperatures, What to Wear Is Key
The April weather truly is unpredictable. In Seoul, today’s temperature is expected to fluctuate between 8 and 16 degrees Celsius. On average, April has mild daytime high temperatures of 14-20 degrees, but it can feel quite chilly in the mornings and evenings. This is the main culprit that makes us dress in layers.
Going out warmly dressed and sweating in the afternoon, or dressing lightly and shivering from the cold in the evening… I’m not the only one, am I? At times like these, you need to pay a lot of attention to your clothing. Layering is the answer. Take one off if it’s hot, put it back on if it’s cold! Personally, I always carry a light down jacket, cardigan, or windbreaker. It’s easy to catch a cold if you dress lightly just looking at the daytime temperature.
3. Strong Winds and Sea Fog, Caution During Outdoor Activities
In addition to rain, strong winds are also a problem. From this afternoon to tomorrow morning, strong winds with instantaneous gusts of around 55km/h are expected in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon-do, Gyeongbuk East Coast and northern mountainous areas, and Jeju Island coast. In mountainous areas, strong winds reaching as much as 70km/h are expected, so special attention should be paid to facility management.
Also, dense sea fog is expected in some areas of the Yellow Sea, so those traveling in that direction should pay special attention to safety. It’s best to refrain from outdoor activities on windy days, but if you must go out, remember the following:
- Wear a hat or scarf: This prevents your hair from blowing around in strong winds and helps maintain body temperature.
- Check for dangerous objects like signs: It’s best to avoid areas near signs or facilities that could be blown away by the wind.
- Choose safe coastal areas: Avoid approaching coastal areas with dense sea fog or high waves.
How was today’s weather information? Seeing how fickle it is even in April, it feels like we might have to wait a little longer for true spring. Nevertheless, I hope everyone stays informed about the weather and has a healthy and enjoyable day!