Happy days are here again Double-digit rainfall figures have been recorded in several parts of the country since the weekend, with the heaviest showers falling on Monday. Weather forecasters say although the rainy weather is expected to clear up today, moist conditions are expected to return at the weekend.
Rainfall data collected by the Namibia Meteorological Service over the past week show widespread rainfall in Namibia, with Rundu, Ondangwa, Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Eenhana and Khorixas recording some of the highest figures to date.
While the rains have brought relief from the recent heat wave, the City of Windhoek urges residents to continue using water sparingly, as none of the dams have received inflows yet.
“As of 7 November 2016 only 23% water savings have been achieved, compared to the required 40%, meaning we need to double our efforts to save water by all means,” City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said.
The municipality reminds residents to that all excessive water use such as car washing, filling of pools and watering of gardens are still banned.
Reports on social media indicate even higher rainfall figures than the official record, with a farm near Omatako having recorded 52mm on Monday.
Another farmer situated 60km east of Hosea Kutako airport on Monday afternoon reported 44mm of rain.
Rain
On Friday, 14.3mm was recorded at Eenhana with an additional downpour of 4.1mm on Sunday, while a total of 14.4mm was measured at Otjiwarongo over the past week.
Ondangwa has recorded a total of 28.1mm since last Saturday, while Khorixas has recorded 16.9mm in total, with 15.3mm measured on Monday.
The Rundu airport received 19mm of rain on Monday, pushing the total since Wednesday up to 22.5mm.
Windhoek has recorded a total of 15.6mm of rain since last week Wednesday, with individual reports of 14mm in Avis, 12mm in Ludwigsdorf and lesser amounts in other parts of the city.
More rain
Odillo Utsile Kgobetsi, chief forecaster in Windhoek said the rain would continue in the northern regions this week, but clear skies are expected farther south.
He added that the low-pressure system at the surface is moving eastwards this week, but should move back over the Namibian interior by the weekend.
“This will improve the moisture conditions over Namibia and therefore increase the chances for rain and thundershowers in the northern, central and eastern regions.”
Total rainfall figures for Outjo during the past week stand at 9.6mm, with 7.8mm recorded at Omaruru, 5.2mm at Gobabis and 6mm in Oshakati.
At Opuwo 4.1mm was measured, 6mm in Oshakati, while Rehoboth measured 6.4mm, Sesfontein 2mm and Aus 0.5mm.
JANA-MARI SMITH