By John K. WaDisho |
Windhoek| August 6 – As winter draws to a close, a biting cold front has swept across Namibia, ushering in harsh temperatures, icy winds, and light rainfall, with the southern regions bearing the brunt of the weather.
According to the Namibia Meteorological Service, the front moved in from the southwest late Monday, triggering a sharp drop in temperatures nationwide.
The most severe conditions have been reported in the southern regions, particularly in //Karas and Hardap, where near-freezing temperatures and scattered showers have been recorded.
Odillo Kgobetsi a spokesperson from the meteorological office described the current weather as one of the coldest spells this season and warned that the cold is expected to persist until Thursday, after which gradual warming is anticipated heading into the weekend.
Nighttime temperatures in Windhoek and the central highlands have fallen to as low as 3°C, while daytime highs remain below 14°C.
Towns such as Keetmanshoop, Lüderitz, and Aus experienced light rainfall overnight, and residents in Karasburg reported brief sleet in the early morning hours.
Across social media, Namibians have taken to platforms like Facebook to share their experiences and concerns.
In the Namibia Weather Watch group, a Lüderitz resident posted about waking up to frozen windows and a wet driveway, expressing disbelief at the intensity of the cold for August.
Another user from Keetmanshoop described the icy winds as unbearable, noting that it feels more like the peak of winter than the end of it.
Weather Watch Namibia confirmed the severity of the conditions in a morning update, stating that temperatures as low as -1°C were recorded in some parts of the south, along with rainfall ranging between 2mm and 5mm in the //Karas region.
In response to the cold snap, the Ministry of Health and Social Services issued a public advisory urging citizens to dress warmly and take necessary precautions, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions.
The ministry also cautioned against unsafe heating methods and advised residents to stay indoors unless necessary.
Livestock farmers and pet owners have similarly been urged to protect animals from the cold by ensuring they have access to proper shelter and warmth, as many exposed areas remain affected by strong winds and damp weather.
Despite the current chill, meteorologists believe this may be the last major cold front of the 2025 winter season. Forecasts indicate that temperatures will begin rising over the weekend, with Windhoek expected to see highs of between 20°C and 24°C by early next week.
Senior forecaster Elmarie van Wyk noted that such late-winter cold fronts are not unusual in southern Africa and often represent the final surge of winter air before spring begins in earnest.
Until conditions improve, Namibians are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and to prepare for continued cold, especially in rural and southern parts of the country.
