• Weather

Less rain predicted until April

• 1 Day Ago - 2026-01-16 08:55:00

December 2025 was an exceptionally wet month across the country, but between February and April this year, the increased rainfall usually associated with La Niña conditions is expected to subside.
According to the December 2025 Climate Watch report from the Namibia Meteorological Service (Meteona) in the Ministry of Works and Transport, most weather stations recorded rainfall figures that exceeded the seasonal norm.
“Some weather stations received 60 mm or more in a single day in December. The northern regions received more than 300 mm,” the report states.
The highest rainfall figures for December were recorded at Ongwediva with 460 mm, Uukwiyu Uushona with 430.5 mm, Kasheshe with 385 mm, Bukalo with 383.3 mm, Okakamasheshe with 323.4 mm, Ompundja with 320.6 mm, Eheke with 311 mm, Omafo with 310 mm and Epembe with 302 mm.
The north-west and most of the south-western regions, including the coastal belt, remained dry and received rainfall of less than 20 mm.
Between October and December 2025, most parts of the country recorded above-average rainfall, “driven mainly by significant rainfall received during December”. In contrast, below-average rainfall was observed over the far western and southern parts.
“The influence of weak La Niña conditions, combined with unusually warm sea surface temperatures over the south-east Atlantic Ocean and the favourable southern position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), created favourable atmospheric conditions, particularly during December 2025.”
Meteona says that, compared with the seasonal forecast issued in August 2025, the observed rainfall patterns were largely in line with expectations, with the exception of the southern regions, which received higher rainfall than forecast.
Outlook
“Due to the shift from La Niña to El Niño-neutral conditions, the increased rainfall usually associated with La Niña is expected to diminish,” the report states.
“Rainfall is likely to become more variable, with some areas receiving good rainfall while others may remain dry. Local weather systems will play a greater role, meaning that heavy rain may still occur in some areas, but prolonged periods of widespread rainfall are less likely.”
From February to April 2026, normal rainfall is expected over Kavango East, southern Otjozondjupa, northern Khomas and eastern ||Kharas.
“Most of the country is likely to experience above-average rainfall. The northern half of the country is expected to receive between 150 mm and 250 mm of rainfall, while the far western and southern regions can expect less than 150 mm.”
Temperatures
Monthly average temperatures for December 2025 indicate that coastal areas and the western escarpment remained relatively cool, with averages ranging between 19 °C and 24 °C. In contrast, the southern regions experienced the highest temperatures for the month, ranging between 25 °C and 30 °C.
The central and northern regions recorded slightly cooler temperatures due to regular rainfall during December, with averages between 0.1 °C and 2.9 °C lower than normal. These cooler conditions are closely linked to above-average rainfall, particularly during December.
The southern and far western parts of the country were dominated by warmer-than-average conditions, ranging between 0.7 °C and 3.1 °C above normal.
“The outlook for February to April 2026 indicates a higher probability of above-average temperatures over most parts of the country, with the central, eastern and south-eastern regions expected to experience normal temperatures.”
Warmer conditions are likely over the south-eastern, northern and western escarpment areas, with average temperatures ranging between 24 °C and 30 °C. The regions of Khomas, Omaheke and southern Otjozondjupa, including the coastline, are likely to experience cool to moderate temperatures ranging between 14 °C and 23 °C. – [email protected]