Korea graphs

Widespread rain and cooler temperatures have broken a severe spring drought which threatened summer crops on the Korean Peninsula. Since mid-June, most parts of North and South Korea have received widespread rainfall, and seasonal totals (April through July) are now close to normal in North Korea and above normal in the South. Temperatures were unusually high in May and June, but seasonable temperatures in July have reduced the heat stress on summer crops. Yield prospects for rice and corn have stabilized, but irreparable damage may have already occurred from the early-summer drought. There is now a possibility of damaging floods in parts of North and South Korea following very heavy rainfall in the past week.

North Korea Graphs - Cumulative Precipitation (mm) and Average Temperature (C.)

Northwest region - Seasonal rainfall has been uneven in the northwest corner of North Korea. There was only one significant rain event from April 1 through June 15. Abundant rainfall after June 15 eased the drought and improved crop conditions, but unfavorably dry weather returned in mid-July and recent heavy rain may have led to local flooding.

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Eastern coast - The mountainous east coast of North Korea had almost no rain in May and very light showers in June. Rainfall accumulation in July was close to normal. Heavy rain last week closed the rainfall deficit but may have caused flood damage.

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Pyongyang/Nampo region - The weather was very hot and dry through mid-June, affecting the planting and germination of summer crops. Abundant rain for the past 45 days has stabilized crop conditions and improved water levels in rivers and reservoirs.

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Southern North Korea - The region was extremely dry though mid-June. Heavy rain in early July brought the seasonal rainfall total up to normal, and steady rainfall through July improved crop conditions. Last week, more than 12 inches of rain fell in just a few days, setting the stage for flash floods.

Average Temperatures - North Korea has had above-normal temperatures for the entire growing season. The largest anomaly was in May and early June, during the height of the drought. High temperatures combined with sparse rainfall and low soil moisture levels to create very stressful conditions for maturing winter crops and germinating/vegetative summer crops. Since the beginning of the rainy season in mid-June, temperatures have been closer to normal.

South Korea Graphs - Cumulative Precipitation (mm) and Average Temperature (C.)

Seoul - Inchon region - This was one of the driest areas of South Korea from April through mid-June. Above-normal rainfall in July erased the moisture deficit and improved growing conditions for rice and other summer crops. Heavy rainfall over the past two weeks caused local flooding, but no serious crop damage has been reported to date.

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Southern South Korea - The region was drier than normal through mid-June, but abundant rainfall in July was very favorable for summer crops. Seasonal rainfall (April - July) is now close to normal

South Korea - Average Temperatures - South Korea had above-normal temperatures throughout the growing season, especially in April and May. Cooler temperatures accompanied heavy rain in late June and late July, but they remain above normal.


Updated: March 16, 2013	Write us: Pecadinfo@fas.usda.gov	Index \| \| FAS Home \| USDA \|

Korean Peninsula - Rainfall Graphs