Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA experienced widespread rainfall over the weekend, with the Namibian Meteorological Service confirming showers and isolated thunderstorms across several regions, bringing much-needed relief to parts of the country. Rainfall totals ranged from light drizzles to more substantial downpours, with some areas recording more than 30mm.
According to social media reports from farmers and residents, rainfall measurements included 26mm at Kadila Poultry Farm outside Okahandja, 24.5mm at Omateva, 20mm near Freiheit Ost, and 17mm in the Hochfeld area. Other areas reporting rain included Ombujomenge (16mm), Ombona south of Kalkfeld (15mm), and Otavi Valley, which recorded 34mm in one event. Some locations, including Grootfontein town, saw minimal rainfall, while Hosea Kutako Airport measured 7mm.
Photos and video: Contributed, John Lucas, Rheta Kruger Smeer, Swartfontein Game and Adventure Lodge, Ahir Bhavesh, Eumetsat, SSEC, Meteologix, Namibian Police Force
Heavy rain in Windhoek caused a tree branch to fall on Independence Avenue, though authorities swiftly cleared the road to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, Tsumeb experienced a dramatic cloud break accompanied by hail and strong winds, disrupting local activities, including horse riding.
The Namibia Meteorological Service warned that very hot conditions were expected in the south, with scattered thundershowers likely in Kunene, Khomas, and Hardap regions. Isolated rain and thunderstorms were forecast for Erongo, Otjozondjupa, central-north, and Omaheke regions, while coastal areas were expected to see mild to warm conditions with fog patches and light showers. Windy conditions were anticipated over the interior, with moderate to fresh westerly to south-westerly winds, becoming strong southerly to south-easterly in the south.
Social media weather observers, including the LandWater reporter page, highlighted the presence of powerful developing storm cells, some exhibiting characteristics of mesocyclones capable of producing lightning and sudden bursts of heavy rain.
Namibia’s recent rainfall comes as a relief to farmers, residents, and the environment, with every drop helping to improve soil moisture and water availability ahead of the coming months.
