Namibia records warmest May in 14 years
This past May has been the warmest on record for the past 14 years in Namibia, according to a recent climate report.According to the Namibia Meteorological Service’s latest Climate Bulletin, the average temperatures for May were highest over the western half of the country, ranging between 21.5 and 27.5 °C.
However, average temperatures cooler than 17 °C were observed around the borders of the Otjozondjupa, Khomas and Omaheke regions.
“The analysis as a departure from the long-term norm shows that cooler than usual temperatures (-0.5 to -1.5) were observed over the central north, Zambezi and Khomas regions.”
The report noted that the average temperature for May was 2.4 °C above the 1991 - 2020 average and 0.3 °C hotter compared to May 2019.
According to the bulletin, the most significant warming of 2 °C and above was observed in the Kunene, Erongo, Hardap and //Kharas regions.
Meanwhile, the projection for the period of July to September indicates an increase in average temperatures for the entire country. “This means that although cold to very cold episodes may be experienced, the mean temperature is expected to be warmer than average for the most of the country except the Namib and bulk of the //Kharas region, where below-average temperatures are expected.”
The report stated that the average temperature projections are expected to range between 12 and 19 °C for most of the country, except for the Zambezi region, where the mean temperature is expected to exceed 20 °C.
The bulletin added that while the rainfall season 2023–2024 has officially ended, some parts of the country experience frontal rain during the winter months.