Winter is starting later and getting shorter due to the global warming and urbanization, the Korea Meteorological Administration said Monday.

Winter ― defined as the period in which the average temperature is below 5 degrees Celsius ― started on Nov. 30 on average since 2000. That is 11 days later than in the 1970s, according to the agency’s analysis.

Its duration has shortened to 102 days, a 17 day decrease over the three decades.

Meanwhile, Seoul had its first snow Monday, three days earlier than average.

Some parts of the nation also saw the first snow late Sunday, including the Chungcheong provinces and South Jeolla Province.

Snowfall in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province reached 3.3 centimeters.

One to 3 centimeters of snow is expected in Jeolla Province and on Jejudo Island and less than 1 centimeter in North Chungcheong Province, South Jeolla Province and the Gyeongsang provinces on Tuesday.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)