January was a ‘relatively wet month’

In January, relatively wet conditions were observed over most of Namibia, with isolated to scattered rainfall recorded over the northern and central regions and the eastern Hardap region.This is according to the January 2025 Climate Watch report from the Namibia Meteorological Service in the Ministry of Works and Transport.The highest recorded rainfall was 305 mm in Kasheshe in the Zambezi region, while other stations reported rainfall figures ranging between 75 mm and 242 mm.The northeastern regions received the highest rainfall totals of over 150 mm. However, the central highlands, western areas, and far southern regions recorded significantly lower amounts, ranging between 0 mm and 75 mm.“This rainfall distribution highlights regional variability across the country during January 2025, compared to the long-term January average. Above-average rainfall was recorded in the central-north, northeast, central highlands, central Hardap, and northern //Kharas regions,” the report states.“Average rainfall was observed over a broader area surrounding these above-normal regions. Meanwhile, below-average rainfall was recorded in the rest of the country, with rainfall deficits exceeding 75%.“This pattern underscores a generally dry January, characterized by more dry periods than wet ones, with only a limited area receiving normal or above-normal rainfall,” the report explains.Seasonal Rainfall Distribution (October 2024 – January 2025)The report indicates that rainfall distribution from October 2024 to January 2025 was highly variable across Namibia.Above-normal rainfall was observed in some areas of the central-north, northeast, and central highlands, including the central Hardap region.“Normal rainfall was recorded over most of the northeastern quadrant, central Hardap, and northern ||Kharas region. In contrast, below-normal rainfall was observed in the rest of the country,” the report states.It is important to note that the northwestern, southwestern, and most of the ||Kharas region have remained in the below-average category since the start of the season.“The variations in rainfall distribution during the 2024–2025 rainy season highlight the importance of ongoing rainfall monitoring for accurate climate assessment,” the report emphasizes.January is typically the peak of Namibia’s rainy season, but the observed figures were far below normal for most of the country. This was due to the presence of multiple tropical cyclones and storms along the southeastern coast of the subregion, which diverted rain-bearing systems away from inland Namibia.The good news is that above-average rainfall is predicted between March and May for most of Namibia, except for the far southwest, where below-average rainfall is expected.“Rainfall above 100 mm can be expected over the northeastern parts, while the rest of the interior can expect less than 100 mm for March to May. Along the Namib Desert, less than 25 mm of rainfall is expected for the remainder of the season,” the report states.TemperaturesNamibia experienced its eighth warmest January in the past 15 years, with an average temperature of 24.6°C, which is 0.6°C warmer than the 1991–2020 climate period, according to the report.However, globally, January was the warmest on record, with record-high temperatures observed throughout 2024, despite the development of La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which usually have a temporary cooling effect on global temperatures.“The most extreme heat was concentrated in the Omaheke region and northwestern parts of the country, where temperatures were 2°C to 4°C above the climate average. The Zambezi region recorded below-average surface air temperatures due to persistent rainy conditions.”According to the March 2025 forecast, temperatures across Namibia are expected to remain in the above-normal category.“The far northwest, central-north, and parts of the northeast may experience the highest average temperatures (above 25°C) in March. The rest of the country is expected to experience temperatures in the lower 20s, with the coolest regions being along the Namib Desert and central parts of the country.”— francoise@nmh.com.na

January was a ‘relatively wet month’

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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January was a ‘relatively wet month’

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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