Weather may have delayed N Korea launch

North Korea has said the launch would take place between April 4 and 8 from 9 pm to 7 am EST. It has tested the rocket known as the Taepodong-2 only once before,in 2006,when it exploded less than a minute into flight.

We thought the launch was likely today,but weather conditions at the rocket base may not have been favorable, South Koreas Yonhap news agency quoted a presidential Blue House official as saying. A separate government source told Yonhap that the North8217;s preparations appeared to be insufficient.

South Korea8217;s meteorological agency said the general area around the North Korean missile base was under mostly cloudy skies with occasionally strong winds. A slightly clearer day is forecast for Sunday and Monday,with less wind.

Experts have said clear visibility would help North Korea,with limited radar capabilities,monitor the flight. It also needs good weather to shoot footage that analysts said would be played on state TV if the launch worked.

Analysts said a successful launch would help leader Kim Jong-il,67,shore up support after a suspected stroke in August raised questions about his grip on power.

The Norths KCNA news agency earlier said preparations were complete,adding: The satellite will be launched soon.

Barack Obama said on Friday the international community would take action if North went ahead with the launch to show Pyongyang it could not act with impunity.