Early rains signal positive start to rainy season
Hope for farmers and water security
Namibia has officially kicked off the 2025–2026 rainfall season, with early indications pointing to above-average precipitation in key agricultural regions.
The Namibia Meteorological Services (NMS) reported this in its October bulletin.
The forecast offers a hopeful start for farmers, water resource managers and communities across Namibia.
Analysis of rainfall during October shows that the southern and central parts of Namibia received rainfall early in the month, while most northern and eastern regions saw rainfall later in the month.
According to the bulletin, these early rains are crucial for replenishing soil moisture and preparing crops for the peak rainy months ahead.
Above-average rainfall was recorded over the southern half of the country, parts of central-north, and eastern Otjozondjupa, while normal to below-normal precipitation was observed elsewhere.
The NMS also reported cooler-than-average temperatures for most regions, with a few exceptions.
Rain ahead
Looking ahead, the seasonal forecast for December to February 2026 paints an optimistic picture.
Most regions are expected to receive above-normal rainfall, with Zambezi, Kavango-East, Kavango-West, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke and northern Khomas projected to exceed 300 mm of rainfall.
“The forecast indicates a positive outlook for agricultural production, water availability, and overall food security,” the bulletin said.
Temperatures for the season are expected to vary across the country, with mean highs of 28 degrees Celsius and above in the south-east, 25 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius across the interior, and a cooler 18 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius along the coast. Warmer-than-normal conditions are expected in the west, southern half and far north-east, while north-western regions may experience cooler-than-normal weather.
Experts caution, however, that localised dry patches in the north-west, west and extreme south could still present challenges.
The Namibia Meteorological Services (NMS) reported this in its October bulletin.
The forecast offers a hopeful start for farmers, water resource managers and communities across Namibia.
Analysis of rainfall during October shows that the southern and central parts of Namibia received rainfall early in the month, while most northern and eastern regions saw rainfall later in the month.
According to the bulletin, these early rains are crucial for replenishing soil moisture and preparing crops for the peak rainy months ahead.
Above-average rainfall was recorded over the southern half of the country, parts of central-north, and eastern Otjozondjupa, while normal to below-normal precipitation was observed elsewhere.
The NMS also reported cooler-than-average temperatures for most regions, with a few exceptions.
Rain ahead
Looking ahead, the seasonal forecast for December to February 2026 paints an optimistic picture.
Most regions are expected to receive above-normal rainfall, with Zambezi, Kavango-East, Kavango-West, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke and northern Khomas projected to exceed 300 mm of rainfall.
“The forecast indicates a positive outlook for agricultural production, water availability, and overall food security,” the bulletin said.
Temperatures for the season are expected to vary across the country, with mean highs of 28 degrees Celsius and above in the south-east, 25 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius across the interior, and a cooler 18 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius along the coast. Warmer-than-normal conditions are expected in the west, southern half and far north-east, while north-western regions may experience cooler-than-normal weather.
Experts caution, however, that localised dry patches in the north-west, west and extreme south could still present challenges.
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