Staff Reporter
WIDESPREAD rainfall, rising river levels and continued heatwave conditions in southern Namibia marked the country’s weather pattern over the weekend, as thundershowers were recorded across several regions while meteorologists warned of very hot conditions persisting in the south.
Social media reports and official observations confirmed rainfall in various parts of the country. Manubi, about 30 km north of Koes, recorded 11 mm of rain, while Kweekwal, 45 km north of Aroab, received 2 mm. Poortje, southeast of Gobabis, measured 10 mm over the past two days, and Buitepos recorded 18 mm. In Windhoek, residents reported 10 mm of rainfall on Sunday, with more rain expected later in the evening.
Otjiwarongo recorded 9.5 mm of rain overnight on Saturday, while the Namibia Meteorological Service reported 13 mm at Okaukuejo, 8 mm at Otjiwarongo and 1 mm at Gobabis.
Meanwhile, Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast reported that the Hoarusib River had once again flowed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant hydrological event and continuing a record of inflows over the past year.
According to the Namibia Meteorological Service, tropical moisture remains in circulation over most of the country’s interior, supporting the development of thundershowers and rainfall, except over the extreme southwestern areas where partly cloudy conditions are expected. Along the coast, a few showers are forecast, mainly over the northern coastal areas, with partly cloudy conditions elsewhere.
The weather service also issued a heatwave advisory for southern Namibia, urging residents to take necessary precautions and drink plenty of water as very hot conditions persist.
For Monday, the forecast indicates partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions over the interior, becoming very hot in the south. Widespread thundershowers and rain are expected over most of the interior, except in the extreme southwest. Windy conditions are forecast for the western and southern regions. Along the coast, conditions will be partly cloudy and mild to warm, with light rain possible at places.
Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 39°C in Karasburg, 38°C in Aroab, Mariental, Keetmanshoop and Noordoewer, and 36°C in Aranos and Khorixas. Elsewhere, Maltahöhe is forecast to reach 35°C, Rehoboth 34°C, and Aus, Buitepos, Omaruru, Outjo and Sesfontein around 33°C. Several central and northern towns including Gobabis, Okakarara, Okaukuejo, Otjiwarongo, Opuwo, Omuthiya, Rundu and Tsumkwe are expected to reach about 31°C, while Grootfontein, Ondangwa, Oshakati, Outapi and Eenhana will hover around 30°C. Windhoek is expected to reach 29°C, similar to Helao Nafidi, Nkurenkuru, Okahao and Okongo. Along the coast, Swakopmund will remain cool at about 21°C, with Henties Bay at 22°C and Walvis Bay, Oranjemund and Terrace Bay at around 23°C, while Lüderitz will reach about 25°C. Arandis is forecast at 27°C and Katima Mulilo at 28°C.
Hydrological Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform reported mixed river level trends across the country. The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo rose slightly from 0.88 m to 0.91 m, which is significantly higher than the 0.33 m recorded during the same period last year. The Kwando River at Kongola stood at 1.50 m.
The Okavango River at Rundu recorded 4.88 m, slightly lower than the 5.69 m measured during the same period last year, while Divundu measured 3.05 m. On the Lower Orange River, Blouputs recorded 1.92 m and Sendelingsdrift 2.10 m. The Kunene River at Ruacana recorded a flow of 172.50 cubic metres per second.
Authorities continue to monitor river levels and rainfall developments as the rainy season progresses across Namibia.
Photos and videos: Mervi Niemelä, ParadiseGarden Backpackers, Joseph Nependa, Shipwreck Lodge, Annette Augustyn van Heerden, Hester Steenkamp, Meteologix
