April was the hottest month in Cambodia on record, with meteorologists recording some of the highest ambient temperatures ever in the Kingdom.

According to data recorded by independent meteorologist Maximiliano Herrera, the new national all-time temperature record of 42.6 degrees was set in Preah Vihear on April 15.

The second-highest temperature of 42.2 degrees was measured in Oddar Meanchey on April 13.

The previous hottest maximum of 41.4 degrees was set in 1960 in Stung Treng.

Phnom Penh has also had its hottest month on record, hovering at an average of 41 degrees.

Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology Secretary of State Bun Hean confirmed the figures yesterday.

He said even communes around the Tonle Sap lake, where temperatures should be about 30 degrees, have had average maximums of 41 to 42 degrees this month.

According to Herrera, Laos also experienced all-time record heat, while Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore have come within 1 to 2 degrees of their all-time records this month.