Average temperatures this dry season are tipped to be cooler than those of 2025, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology.

From February to early March, the Kingdom is expected to range from a low of 20°C to a high of 37°C, cooler than 2024.

The reduced temperatures are due to a 30-50 per cent February to May reduction in the La Niña phenomenon. It will be replaced by the ENSO-Neutral (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) condition, which has increased to 70 per cent, explained the ministry.

Today, February 6, the ministry released a long-term dry season forecast which covers the period from now until the Rainy season begins in June.

The forecast predicted light to moderate rain, if any, and warned of potential water shortages in the northern provinces and around the Tonle Sap Lake, including Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Battambang, Pursat and Kampong Chhnang. 

However, in coastal areas, the ministry noted that rainfall may exceed the average received in most years.

The forecast predicted that the rainy season will begin in the second week of May, earlier than in 2024, and that rainfall could be higher than the average experienced in most years, with the potential for thunderstorms and strong winds.

“The water resources ministry encourages all local authorities and members of the public to cooperate and conserve water – particularly in rural areas far from water sources – during the months of February and March,” added the ministry.