Hot weather began in some eastern coastal areas of the country from July 15 and has gradually affected its most parts.

In particular, the temperature rose to 39.7 degrees centigrade in Wonsan City, 39.2 in Munchon City and 39 in Chonnae and Anbyon counties of Kangwon Province and Kumya County of South Hamgyong Province, the highest since meteorological observation, on July 22.

The July 22 countrywide average maximum temperature was 34.6 degrees centigrade, 1.3 degrees higher than that of July 21 and 7.2 degrees higher than the average. The countrywide average maximum temperature registered 34 degrees centigrade on July 26, 1997, the highest one since Juche 70 (1981).

According to a meteorologist, the prevailing sultry weather is expected to stay in the east coastal areas till July 26 and in the west coastal areas and the northern inland areas till early August.