Namibia braces for drier months after heavy December rains

December was an unusually wet month across Namibia, but rainfall is expected to decline between February and April this year, as the elevated levels usually associated with La Niña conditions ease.According to the December 2025 Climate Watch report from the Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS), most weather stations recorded rainfall above the seasonal average.“Some stations received 60 mm or more in a single day in December. Northern regions received over 300 mm,” the report said.The highest December totals were recorded at Ongwediva with 460 mm, Uukwiyu Uushona 430.5 mm, Kasheshe 385 mm, Bukalo 383.3 mm, Okaukamasheshe 323.4 mm, Ompundja 320.6 mm, Eheke 311 mm, Omafo 310 mm and Epembe 302 mm.The north-west and much of the south-west, including the coastal belt, remained dry, with rainfall of less than 20 mm.Between October and December last year, most parts of the country recorded above-average rainfall, “mainly driven by significant rainfall received in December.” In contrast, below-average rainfall was observed in the far western and southern regions, the NMS report noted."The influence of weak La Niña conditions, combined with exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures over the south-eastern Atlantic Ocean and the favourable southern position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), created favourable atmospheric conditions, particularly during December 2025."Less rainNMS reported that, compared with the seasonal forecast issued in August 2025, observed rainfall patterns largely aligned with predictions, except in the southern regions, which received higher rainfall than expected.“As La Niña shifts to El Niño-neutral conditions, the elevated rainfall usually associated with La Niña is expected to decline,” the report added.“Rainfall is likely to become more variable, with some areas receiving good rainfall while others remain dry. Local weather systems will play a greater role, meaning heavy rain can still occur in places, but long periods of widespread rainfall are less likely.”Between February and April this year, normal rainfall is expected in Kavango East, southern Otjozondjupa, northern Khomas and eastern ||Kharas.“Most of the country is likely to experience above-average rainfall. The northern half is expected to receive between 150 mm and 250 mm, while the far western and southern regions may see less than 150 mm.”TemperaturesMonthly average temperatures for December show that the coastal areas and the western plateau remained relatively cool, with averages ranging between 19 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees. In contrast, the southern regions recorded the highest temperatures for the month, between 25 °C and 30 °C.Central and northern areas were slightly cooler due to regular rainfall in December, with average temperatures 0.1°C to 2.9°C below normal. The southern and far western regions experienced warmer-than-average conditions, ranging from 0.7°C to 3.1°C above normal.“The outlook for February to April 2026 indicates a higher likelihood of above-average temperatures across most of the country, with central, eastern and south-eastern regions expected to experience near-normal temperatures,” the report said.Warmer temperatures are likely over the south-eastern, northern and western plateau, with average temperatures ranging between 24°C and 30°C. The regions of Khomas, Omaheke, and southern Otjozondjupa, including the coastal belt, are expected to experience cool to moderate temperatures, ranging from 14°C to 23°C.– francoise@nmh.com.na

Namibia braces for drier months after heavy December rains

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-19

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Namibia braces for drier months after heavy December rains

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-19

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