The mean precipitation as of mid-July stands at 21.2 mm, 25.8 percent of the average and the second-lowest one in the records of meteorological observation after 1981.

In South Hwanghae Province, the maximum daytime temperature reaches 35 degrees centigrade on an average and some areas witness over 36.5 degrees centigrade since July 20, which makes thousands of hectares of rice and corn fields dry and interferes with the growth of rice and withers corn leaves.

The maximum daytime temperature has risen to 35.8 degrees centigrade in Hoeryong City from July 22, leaving corn leaves wilted, and many corn and bean fields in North Hamgyong Province suffer from drought.

In Sohung, Junggang, Jasong, Kosong, Anbyon, Hongwon and Sinhung counties, many corn and bean fields got dry to the depth of 5-20 centimeters and the soil humidity of the layer beneath the depth is only 30-50 with an increasing area of fields damaged by drought which is attributable to a lingering sultry weather.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the party, government and agricultural guidance organs in all provinces, cities and counties are taking emergency measures to mobilize all manpower and means for preventing crops from drought damage.