Weather: Unusual cold season

The ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology distributed a communiqué on Thursday 15 Jan, indicating the current weather condition in the kingdom. According to this communiqué, because of a persistent high pressure zone and wind blowing from Siberia, a cold weather is settling in during the past few days. This condition will last at least until 19 Jan. The department of meteorology distinguishes 4 zones: in the mountain area, the temperature will hover between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius. In Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Stung treng, Oddar Meanchey, Pursat, Battambang and Pailin, temperature will vary between 12 and 15 degrees. In Phnom Penh and the surrounding provinces, i.e. Kandal, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Kampong Chhnang, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham and Kratie, the temperature is expected to range between 15 and 18 degrees. Finally, along the coastline areas of Koh Kong, Kampot, Sihanoukville will be less affected by the cold snap, with temperature ranging between 19 and 21 degrees. Set Vannareth, the director of the department of meteorology, announced that “these are not unusual temperatures when compared to the previous year, however, the cold season lasts longer. Cambodians must take care of their health given this weather forecast.”