Searing heat and clear skies – January rainfall in Namibia disappoints

OUTLOOK 01 FEBRUARY TO 10 FEBRUARY 

• Extremely high temperatures have wilted hopes of a good rain year
• Nevertheless, rainfall figures could improve over the northern, north-eastern and central parts in the first 10 days of February

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The month of January saw a close to 100 per cent decline in average rainfall patterns across Namibia. The lack of water plus the extreme high temperatures – some places in the south and north-western parts were struck with temperatures as high as 45 degrees celcius. Whether in the shade or not, the word ‘heat wave’ and ‘drought’ has been uttered by increasingly concerned Namibians all over the country. 

The Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS) rainfall summary for the period of 21 to 31 January 2013 said that even areas in the north and north-east of the country which on average should have had good rainy weather, have had a 97 percent decrease from expected rainfall.

The NMS on Friday stated that the period 21 to 31 January 2013 experienced ‘a dry spell throughout the country. Very scanty rainfall over a period of not more than 3 rainy days fell  over the central north and north eastern parts of the country”.

Sizzling Sossusvlei

The NMS confirmed that the rainfall patterns in January was “below normal rainfall during the same period, with deviation from the normal ranging between minus 51 % at Ombalantu to minus 100 % in the west and south of the country. 

Katima Mulilo recorded a paltry 1.8 mm of rainfall from 11 to 20th January – in contrast to the 66.5 mm of rain that falls on average during this time of the year. 

Further west, Ondangwa received 3.7 mm compared to the 66 mm on average between the period of 11 to 20 January, signifying a 94 % drop in rainfall averages. 

Central and southern Namibia are even worse off.

While very high temperatures persist in the southern and central parts of the country, very little rain has fallen to break the sizzling heat. 

Windhoek has seen 1 day of rainfall in the last two weeks, making that a 100 % decrease from average the NMS has stated.

There is hope. By Paul van Schalkwyk. www.tala.com.na

Fortunately, the outlook for the next 10 days does seem brighter. The NMS forecasts that thundershowers and showers are expected over the north-easten parts of the country as from tomorrow (Saturday 2 February) until 7 February.

And from the 4th and 5th of February, thunder showers are expected in the vicinity of Windhoek, Gobabis and Grootfontein.