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June 4, 2001
North Korea: Dry Weather Continues to Impact Spring and Summer Crops
The weather in North Korea has been abnormally warm and dry since mid-March, particularly in the southwest, a major grain production region. The lack of rainfall and low soil moisture reportedly stressed rain-fed winter crops (wheat and barley), and delayed or prevented the planting of potatoes, spring wheat, and corn. Rice transplanting started in May and will continue through June. Wells and reservoirs were greatly depleted by drought during 2000, and water for irrigation may be insufficient this summer unless replenishing rains arrive soon.
Rainfall in May:
Rainfall in May 2001 was very low, with some locations
recording less than 5 millimeters for the month. However, North
Korea normally receives the majority of its precipitation during
June and July, so recovery for summer crops is still possible.
Click on image to see full-size chart
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Rainfall in May 2001 was the lowest in 20 years in southwest North Korea. In 1996, a spring drought continued into June, causing large crop losses. Flooding in May/June 1997 also caused serious damage. This region accounts for about 50 percent of North Korea's grain production.
Northwest North Korea received below normal rainfall in May 2001 but it was not as dry as the southwest. Spring rainfall is less variable in this part of the country, a major corn and rice production area.
Rainfall Time Series - February 1 Through May 29:
Graphs showing cumulative rainfall in 2001 compared to
previous years and normal for selected weather stations in North
Korea. Rainfall in spring 2001 was less than 50 percent normal
(with the exception of Chongjin) and the lowest in 5 years.
Click on the map below
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North Korea Grain Update - December 2000
For more information, contact Paulette Sandene with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division on (202) 690-0133.
