Cambodia's northern provinces can expect high rainfall and thunderstorms as temperatures in the Dangrek Mountains and northeast plateau rise by 1C compared to last week, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology said on Tuesday.

The ministry’s notification on Tuesday said low pressure would cause sporadic storms in Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap starting March 9.

“The weather is due to increase by 1C compared to last week, with the minimum temperature being between 21-23C for the Dangrek Mountains and the northeast plateau.

“The central plains have a minimum temperature of 23-25C. Coastal areas will have a minimum temperature of 24-26C and can expect varying levels of rain,” it said.

The ministry urged the public to be cautious of the storms, especially with rainfall.

“Please take extra care if you are residing in the northwest and northern provinces, including Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap,” it stressed.

National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) spokesman Keo Vy told The Post on Tuesday that the NCDM is continuing to advise the communities in preparation for weather-related dangers.

“We are disseminating natural disaster prevention and safety information for droughts, floods and thunderstorms. We have concentrated that work in the communities living in the plains along the Mekong River and other natural disaster hotspots.

“The NCDM has conducted outreach on a number of preventive measures for local communities vulnerable to storms including reinforcing roofs to prevent storm damage.

“We also recommend that people avoid using mobile phones or electronic devices during the rain to prevent being hit by lightning,” he said.

Vy said thunderstorms last year killed 97 people and injured more than 200.