The Korea Meteorological Administration introduced on its Web site Monday a cold index, which measures the likelihood one can catch a cold. The index will have a four-grade scale of “very high,” “high,” “moderate,” or “low.”

The index was developed based on studies of the correlation between daily weather conditions, including temperature and humidity, and statistics on cold patients.

The index will be announced in nine cities, including Seoul. By 3 a.m., people can check the cold index for that day and the next day. The index posted at 3 p.m. is for the following day and the day after.