PHNOM PENH, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia ordered all public schools to reduce one hour off their regular school days due to scorching temperatures in the ongoing dry season, according to a directive released late on Thursday.

The normal morning school session from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. will now conclude half an hour earlier, while the afternoon session, usually lasting from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., will commence 30 minutes later, the directive said.

“During the dry season in 2019, the weather is very hot and temperatures can be higher than 40 degrees Celsius between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,” Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron said in the directive, adding that the measure was to “prevent heat-related illnesses”.

The measure will remain in place until the rainy season comes. The rainy season is expected in late May.