North Korea is facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures rising to 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. Meanwhile, Pyongyang continues to experience sultry heat even at night. Authorities have warned people to avoid outdoor activities.
On 3 August 2026, Yonhap News Agency reported that North Korea is currently enduring a heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 40 degrees Celsius in several areas, while Pyongyang is experiencing a "tropical night" phenomenon, where temperatures have not dropped below 25 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang, along with Pyongan and Chagang provinces, is expected to face maximum daytime temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. In Pyongyang, the lowest temperature on Monday morning was 28 degrees Celsius, which is 5 degrees above the average, before temperatures rose to 35 degrees Celsius during the day.
At the same time, Pyongyang is enduring sultry nights, with temperatures not falling below 25 degrees Celsius since Monday, 27 July. This fits the criteria for a tropical night, defined as temperatures remaining above 25 degrees Celsius between 18:01 and 09:00 the next day.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, urged citizens to avoid outdoor activities during the daytime to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. It also advised farmers to prepare protective measures against crop damage caused by extreme heat and high humidity.
Meanwhile, Korean Central Television showed images of many people visiting beaches and swimming pools in the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area on the east coast. This tourist area reopened for its second season on 1 July and has already welcomed tens of thousands of visitors.
Source: Yonhap