During the days, the lowest temperature was as low as minus 21.3 degrees Celsius in Sinuiju, minus 21.9 degrees Celsius in Phyongsong and minus 16.9 degrees Celsius in Sariwon, according to the Hydro-meteorological Service.

On January 4, Sariwon witnessed minus 20 degrees Celsius, Pyongyang minus 21.6 degrees Celsius and Phyongsong minus 22 degrees Celsius, the lowest in the current winter season.

On January 3-4, the highest temperature in the west coastal area stood at between minus 12 degrees Celsius and minus 9 degrees Celsius, in the northern inland area between minus 19 degrees Celsius and minus 15 degrees Celsius and in the east coastal area between minus 10 degrees Celsius and minus 3 degrees Celsius, 6 to 12 degrees lower than the average year throughout the country.

It is believed that dry and cold air above central Siberia is steadily moving towards the Korean Peninsula, affected by the cold continental high pressure, and snow-covered land reflects the sunlight, causing cold spell in the country.

It is forecast that the cold will abate a little from Saturday, but continue until January 11, with 3 to 7 degrees lower than the average.