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Conclusion
Analysis of the causes of record-breaking snowfall
(2024.11.24 ~ 11.30)
Record-breaking snowfall in the Seoul metropolitan area caused several damages. As of 3 p.m. on Nov. 27, 2024, snowfall had accumulated up to 18 cm. This is the highest amount of snowfall since modern weather observations began in Seoul in 1907. The causes are the warm West Sea sea, sea level difference (temperature difference between warm sea and cold air), blocking phenomenon, and low pressure. Due to the late heat wave caused by global warming, the water temperature in the West Sea was 2-3 degrees Celsius higher than usual. The blocking phenomenon blocked the low pressure in the north and rotated counterclockwise, drawing the continent's cold air toward the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the cut-off low pressure created a very cold low pressure that harbored the cold weather in the Arctic, resulting in a strong northwest wind, and the cold wind and warmer West Sea met to develop strong snow clouds. After the heavy snow, the low pressure weakened over time and the cloud began to gradually dissipate as it moved to the east.
* What is Blocking phenomenon?
Blocking phenomenon refers to a meteorological situation in which a high-pressure system remains stationary over a region and disrupts the normal west-to-east flow of the atmosphere, especially the jet stream. This "block" prevents other weather systems (like low-pressure systems) from moving through, often leading to prolonged weather conditions in the affected area.
* What is Cut-off low?
A cut-off low is a cold-core low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere that becomes detached from the main westerly jet stream flow. Once separated, it moves slowly or becomes quasi-stationary, which can lead to persistent unstable weather in the affected area. The term "cut-off" reflects how the low has been severed from the primary flow of the jet stream and behaves independently.
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