Rainfall welcome, but devastating

The north-western parts of Namibia, extending along the western escarpment into eastern areas of the Hardap Region, received welcome, but devastating and exceptionally high rainfall during the month of October.This is according to the rainfall bulletin for October issued by the works and transport ministry's meteorological service division. “Unfortunately these high amounts of rainfall were received over a 24-hour period, with Outapi reporting the highest amount receiving 61mm, followed by Khorixas that reported 57.7mm, Farm Ombona that reported 49mm, Ncamagoro that received 45.3mm, Engombe that received 38mm and Onesi that reported 37.5mm,” the report states. It says 27 of the 52 places monitored by the meteorological service received above-normal rainfall during October. Outapi received 62.8mm, which was the highest rainfall recorded for the month and 877% above its average October rainfall of 6.4mm. Khorixas recorded 58.3mm, which is 2 151% above its average rainfall of 2.6mm for October. Rehoboth recorded 808% of its average rainfall. The town received 44.4mm of rain, while usually receives only 4.9mm during October. At Aranos 59.9mm was recorded, which is 447% higher than normal. On average Aranos records only 10.9mm of rain during October. Ombona received 49mm of rain during October. This is 444% higher than its average rainfall of 9mm.The majority of the weather stations reported rainfall between 21 and 26 October, but there were only one or two rainy days. “Although the distribution was poor, the bulk of the northern region received normal to above-normal rainfall for the month, with pockets of areas receiving little or no rainfall. Areas of western Zambezi and the south-western sector of the country experienced below-normal rainfall.”Okatana, Sibbindda, Opuwo, Okahandja, Kanonschoot, Eros Airport, Walvis Bay, Aroab, Keetmanshoop and Karasburg recorded no rainfall during October. Meanwhile, the weather bureau says the current heat wave is expected to continue for the rest of the week, especially in northern Namibia. Scattered thundershowers may bring some relief to the northern interior. ELLANIE SMIT

Rainfall welcome, but devastating

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Rainfall welcome, but devastating

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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