N. Korea swelters under heat wave, with Pyongyang hit by tropical nights

A heat wave has swept through North Korea, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 40 degrees Celsius in certain areas, according to state media. Pyongyang, the nation's capital, experienced daytime highs ranging between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures remained stubbornly high at 25 degrees Celsius, five degrees warmer than the usual average.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) warned citizens against venturing outdoors during the day to avoid heat-related illnesses, as the city has endured a series of tropical nights, where temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius from 6:01 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following day. These prolonged tropical nights, defined by high humidity and lack of relief, have particularly impacted farmers, prompting the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, to advise them on protecting their crops from the extreme conditions.

Despite these challenging circumstances, the Rodong Sinmun also reported that the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which reopened for its second season on July 1, has been attracting thousands of visitors, with crowds flocking to the beaches and swimming pools.