A severe cold wave has swept across the nation, prompting cold wave advisories in central regions.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on Wednesday, morning lows fell to minus 18 degrees Celsius in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, and minus seven degrees in Seoul, nearly ten degrees lower than the previous day.

The chill will persist through the day, with highs reaching only minus three in Seoul, minus one in Cheongju and three in Gwangju and Daegu.

Snow is forecast for Wednesday along the western coast, in Jeju’s mountainous areas and in parts of the Chungcheong region and Jeolla provinces, with up to ten centimeters likely to accumulate by Thursday morning.

The eastern coastal regions remain under a dry weather advisory, with strong winds increasing the risk of wildfires.

The extreme cold is expected to ease by the weekend.