Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
THIS week began on a relatively mild note, with only a few areas experiencing scattered rainfall. However, conditions intensified as the week progressed, with several parts of the country recording heavy rain, hail, and strong winds by midweek.
The Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions were particularly affected on Wednesday and Thursday, when intense thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and windstorms to multiple areas. These severe conditions appeared to develop suddenly following a relatively dry period.
The Namibia Meteorological Services has indicated that more rainfall is expected over the weekend, with central and northern regions likely to be affected by Saturday. Strong winds are also forecast for that day.
So far, this week’s weather has had a notable impact across several areas. Okahandja and surrounding areas in the Otjozondjupa Region were among the hardest hit, recording more than 100 mm of rain on Thursday. The heavy downpours, combined with hail and strong winds, left significant parts of the town covered in hail, while other parts were flooded.
Okatjeru also experienced hail and rainfall on Wednesday, while a few places near Gobabis in the Omaheke Region also witnessed significant rain and hailstorms on Thursday, totalling more than 60 mm of rain. Arnhem near Leonardville in the Omaheke Region is among these areas, which recently experienced hailstorms and rainfall.
Meanwhile, Farm Haakdoorn near Buitepos in the Omaheke Region saw substantial rainfall on Thursday, recording 85 mm of rain, while Farm Wagnou also recorded notable showers, with around 80 mm of rain during the same period.
North-western areas also saw notable showers on Thursday. Tswandes between Outjo and Khorixas is among the areas that experienced significant thunderstorms on Thursday. Recent rainfall in the north-western areas has also flooded some roads, such as the C39 between Palmwag and Khorixas.
Given the unexpected severity of this week’s weather, the public is urged to exercise caution, as further rainfall is expected. Motorists and residents are strongly advised to avoid crossing flooded areas.
RAIN AND HAIL: Photos and videos of recent rain and hail. Photos and videos: contributed and Facebook (Gondwana Collection Namibia; Natasha Prinsloo Hörsch; Odette Van Der Westhuizen; Liandro Bezuidenhoudt; Lettie Koos Du Plessis; Lien le Grange; Henriëtte Le Grange; Reomano Naike Cloete; Coby Van Den Mark; Shane Cooper; Elda Smith; Maureen Swiegers; Monarch Lifeguard; Anushka Coetzee).
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