also: こくかん
noun
severe cold; bitter cold
Describes extremely cold weather or climate; often used in news or formal contexts. Antonym: 酷暑 (extreme heat).
Antonyms: 酷暑
今年の冬は酷寒が続いている。
Severe cold has continued this winter.
酷寒の地での生活は厳しい。
Life in a land of bitter cold is harsh.
Compound of 酷 (severe) and 寒 (cold). The reading こっかん is a common gemination of こくかん.