An irrigation system in Battambang province. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH, Dec 25 (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): The Cambodian Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has called on people to use water sparingly – especially in remote rural areas far from water sources – citing diminished rainfall next year compared to 2022.
Temperatures may rise to 39 degrees Celsius before the expected mid-May start of the rainy season.
In a December 22 notice, the ministry forecast a chance of unseasonal light-to-medium showers in March-April and into the beginning of the rainy season, with a strong possibility of thunderstorms and strong winds.
Despite the unseasonal downpours, precipitation volumes may “not be enough to meet the immediate needs” of the people, the ministry suggested, noting that the rainy season could begin earlier in the lowland and coastal areas, in the first week of May.
In January, the minimum and maximum average temperatures for the central lowland provinces are predicted at 18C and 29C, with 15-17C possible in the Dangrek Mountains and the northeastern plateau.
In February-March, temperatures will generally fall in the 20-33C range, rising to 24-36C in April with maximums reaching as high as 39C. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
