This week, the 2018 Winter Olympics get underway in South Korea and it could be the coldest winter games in the past quarter-century! The last several Winter Olympics have been held in more temperate locations like Sochi, Vancouver and Torino. Not only were these locations in more temperate climates but they also experienced mild temperatures during the games which caused problems with melting snow and ice.
This year, however, that looks set to change as the opening (and closing) ceremonies, along with several other events, will take place in PyeongChang. It is located roughly 80 miles east of the capital of Seoul in the Taebaek Mountains. It is the smallest city to host the games, winter or summer, since the 1994 winter games in Lillehammer, Norway. This year’s Olympics are expected to be the coldest since those games!
Officials are concerned about the potential for bitter cold temperatures and biting winds at the opening ceremonies. Due to time-saving measures, the stadium does not have a roof so spectators will be subject to the elements. To combat the cold, those attending will be given an Olympic “goodie bag” with heating pads, a blanket and a rain coat! Back in December, seven people received hypothermia while attending an event at the newly completed stadium.
To the east, at Gangneung, where ice events are taking place, it is usually about 10 to 15 degrees warmer than at PyeongChang due to being at a lower elevation and a closer proximity to water. They generally see less snow but more precipitation compared to PyeongChang.
Let’s take a look at PyeongChang’s weather for the month of February…
PyeongChang is located in one of the coldest regions in South Korea and is the coldest global location at that specific latitude! It is located about a half-mile above sea level and, in winter, it frequently sees bitter cold temperatures and a biting wind chill straight from Siberia! Although February is one of the coldest months of the year, it is the driest month of the year, due to those cold, and dry, winds from Siberia! For this reason, PyeongChang generally sees less snowfall than other places with the same latitude.
February Stats for PyeongChang:
Averages:
High: 32 degrees
Low: 14 degrees
Precipitation: 1.44 inches
Snowfall: 5.98 inches
Most likely pattern is cold and dry with windy conditions at times
Records:
High: 61.7 Degrees
Low: -17.7 Degrees
Gust: 76.5 mph
One-day Snowfall: 34.3 inches
Make sure you tune into the Winter Olympics…only on 2Works For You!
