Namibia records among wettest Aprils in 45 years

Namibia experienced one of its wettest Aprils in more than four decades.

A majority of rainfall stations reported at least double their average monthly rainfall totals, the latest national rainfall and climate bulletin stated.

The report said the southern town of Aroab in the ||Kharas region recorded the highest rainfall accumulation for the month at an exceptional 300.2mm, followed by Maltahöhe with 182mm and Snyrivier with 179.2mm.

However, isolated pockets of below-normal rainfall persisted in areas stretching from Kongola to Sachona in the Zambezi region, Corridor 13 in Omaheke, Rooisand in western Khomas, and Lüderitz in the ||Kharas.

The rainfall season from 1 October 2025 to 30 April was largely characterised by normal to above-normal across Namibia. Nonetheless, deficits remained over extreme western areas and isolated sections of southern Otjozondjupa, northeastern Kunene, and western Omusati.

It was noted that the early part of the season, particularly October to December 2025, played a significant role in boosting seasonal rainfall figures. That period ranked as the second wettest since 1981, driven mainly by exceptionally heavy rains in December 2025.

Rainfall activity weakened considerably in January, with most areas experiencing below-normal conditions. 

However, rainfall recovered in February and March, with normal-to-above-normal precipitation returning to many regions.

Looking ahead to winter, forecasts indicate mostly normal minimum temperatures between June and August.

However, colder-than-average temperatures are expected over the Khomas, Omaheke, and southern Otjozondjupa regions as El Niño conditions begin developing.