Overview
North Korea is a country situated in East Asia with an area of 46,540square miles. North Korea and its capital, North Korean city Pyongyang, have a mild, cloudy monsoon climate with dry and dry-cold winters. This climate is divided into four distinct seasons, which are spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In North Korea, the winter season is the coldest with temperatures ranging from -10° Celsius to -23° Celsius and is often accompanied by heavy snowfall. The summer season is generally warmer with temperatures ranging from 12° Celsius to 28° Celsius, while the spring and autumn seasons are milder, with temperatures ranging from 4° Celsius to 22° Celsius.
History
North Korea follows a socialist government which was established in 1947, making it the only remaining original member of the Communist bloc. It is governed by the Workers’ Party of North Korea, which has heavily influenced its laws and regulations and has focused on maintaining a strong military. North Korea has also maintained a long-time policy of self-reliance, meaning the country is unlikely to be influenced by outside forces, including weather patterns. This policy, along with its socialist government, has led to North Koreans having very little knowledge of the rest of the world and largely preventing weather information from crossing the closed borders.
Climate Analysis
North Korea has a four-season climate which is heavily influenced by the monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean. In general, the four seasons in this part of the world follow the same pattern as other Asian countries, with spring and autumn being relatively short and summer and winter lasting much longer. The summer season typically lasts from April until September and is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30° Celsius. Winter, on the other hand, runs from October through March, and is much colder and drier than its summer counterpart. During this season, temperatures often drop below 0° Celsius and heavy snowfall is common in this part of the world.
Current Weather Conditions
At present, North Korea is experiencing its winter season. Temperatures are relatively low, with temperatures in cities such as Pyongyang hovering around -10° Celsius. Heavy snowfall is also common, with some areas receiving as much as 50cm of snow in a single day. Strong winds and bitterly cold temperatures have made outdoor activities difficult for many North Koreans. The northern areas of the country have seen even colder temperatures, with the area around the North Korean city of Hamhung experiencing temperatures as low as -23° Celsius.
Consequences
The extreme cold weather experienced during the North Korean winter has several consequences. Power shortages, food shortages, and limited access to medical supplies are some of the most common problems faced by North Koreans during this season. In addition, heavy snowfall and icy roads can make transportation difficult and increase the risk of accidents.
Life in North Korea
Most North Koreans spend their winters trying to stay warm and comfortable. Despite the cold weather, North Koreans often wear less clothing than residents of other countries in colder climates. This is because North Korea is a very conservative society and people tend to be reluctant to wear thick clothing which may be perceived as unappealing. In order to stay warm, most North Koreans rely on electric heaters or on traditional sources of heat such as wood. These traditional sources of heat are difficult to access in winter and can cause air pollution.
Government Measures
The North Korean government has implemented several measures to reduce the impact of winter on the country’s population. The government has increased access to electricity and fuel supplies, and has provided school children with insulated clothing and blankets to protect them from the cold. In addition, the government is encouraging the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which could help to reduce the country’s dependence on traditional energy sources.
Conclusion
North Korea is currently in the grips of winter, with temperatures dropping to as low as -23° Celsius in some areas and heavy snowfall making it difficult for people to move around. The North Korean government has implemented several measures to reduce the impact of winter, such as increased electricity and fuel supplies, insulated clothing and blankets for school children, and the encouragement of renewable energy sources. Despite these measures, many North Koreans struggle to keep warm due to limited power supplies and access to traditional sources of heat.
