Bitter cold to last through Jan. 17

The temperature stayed at around minus 10 degrees Celsius in the central region Friday and the bitter cold wave sweeping the entire country will abate slightly on Saturday. The Meteorological Administration said the Saturday's low would be minus 11 degrees in Seoul and Inchon, minus 9 degrees in Taejon and minus 16 degrees in Chunchon. The mercury will hover around minus 6 in and around Seoul. Light snow will fall in Chungchong and Cholla provinces while the southeastern provinces will see scattered rain or snow.

The cold weather will continue on Sunday, with the mercury hovering around minus 11 degrees in Seoul and some light snow in the forecast. Motorists visiting southwestern regions are warned of slippery road conditions. Temperatures are expected to return to yearly norms on Jan. 18, after sinking to minus 15 degrees on Jan. 15.

Kim Joon-Seok kjs359@donga.com