Niël Terblanché
DISPAIR about the searing drought in the Kunene and Erongo regions is being replaced by hope as good rains over large parts of the worst affected areas fell consistently for the past week.
Heavy rains at the start of the weekend turned the Namib Desert on both sides of the Kunene River into a muddy mess with stormwater making its way to the Atlantic Ocean in rivulets that formed in the sand.
Although no heavy downpours were reported consistent rain fell in Ruacana for a few days while places further south in The Kunene Region like Kamanjab and Outjo, received several good downpours over the past few days.
Oshakati, Ondangwa, and Outapi received well over 100 millimetres over the past three days and many of the oshanas around these towns are filled to the brim.
Heavy downpours were also reported in the areas surrounding Usakos and Omaruru in the Erongo Region over the past three days. As much as 100 millimetres fell in Omaruru while further to the south about 60 millimetres were reported in the area of Usakos.
Areas surrounding Okahandja and Windhoek also received good rains while further to the east towards Gobabis farmers reported some showers ranging in the 30 millimetre range.
As much as 60 millimetres of rain was reported on farms in the Khomas Hochland since Thursday.
In southern Namibia, more rain was reported in the areas surrounding Keetmanshoop and Rosh Pinah.
According to the Namibia Meteorological Service, heavy rainfalls will persist in the northwest, central-north, Otjozondjupa, and Omaheke regions.
Over the rest of Namibia, residents can expect partly cloudy and hot weather conditions in the extreme southwest, while elsewhere partly cloudy and hot weather conditions with scattered thundershowers are in the forecast.
Residents of coastal towns can expect partly cloudy and cool to warm weather conditions with fog patches for Independence Day.
