18 Sep 2024

 The upcoming rainfall season, which starts in October and ends in March 2025, is forecasted to be relatively normal to above normal.

In an interview with BOPA regarding the 2024/2025 seasonal rainfall and temperature outlook, the Department of Meteorological Services chief meteorologist, Mr John Stegling said unlike previous rainfall season where extreme drought conditions were observed, the upcoming rainfall season was expected to be wetter.

He said a slow start of the season was anticipated but it would improve as the season progresses.

“For the month of October-November-December (OND) largely normal to below-normal precipitation is anticipated. But, for the seasons November-December-January (NDJ), December-January-February (DJF) and January-February-March (JFM) largely normal to above-normal precipitation is anticipated,” explained Mr Stegling. He said for the seasons NDJ, DJF and JFM largely normal to above-normal precipitation was anticipated, which could be attributed to a weak La Nina that was favoured throughout the forecast period.

Throughout the forecast period, Mr Stegling said temperatures were expected to be above normal for much parts of the country, adding that normal to above normal rainfall was also anticipated over the entire country.

“But, different areas have different normal, therefore each area is forecasted to receive close to its normal or slightly above its average,” he added.

The chief meteorologist said for the rainfall period, normal ranges from 160mm over the south western parts of Kgalagadi, increasing to about 540mm over the extreme northern parts of Chobe were anticipated.

“Normal temperatures for the first half of the season, which is October to December, range from 31℃ over the south-eastern parts increasing to 34℃ over the northern parts of the country. For the second half of the season, being January to March, normal temperatures range from 30℃ over the northern parts increasing to 33.5℃ over the southern parts of the country,” he explained.

Mr Stegling warned that floods could not be ruled out for the upcoming rainfall season, as they were a normal part of the country’s rainfall pattern. Compared to the western parts of the country, he said low lying areas and the eastern part of the country were more prone to flood events, mostly due to their terrain and climatic conditions. “Urban areas, as well, are more prone to flash flood events, especially where there are poor drainage systems,” he added.

In order to mitigate flooding during and after the rainfall season, Mr Stegling advised the public to be in contact with the Disaster Management Teams or offices of the District Commissioner for area specific strategies. Other preparatory measures, that the public could apply, he said were; clearing of debris more especially in storm water drainages. 

In case of emergencies, he encouraged the public to seek help from emergency services, such as the Botswana Police Service and Fire Brigade. 

To further ensure effective planning, for the season and for safety purpose, prior to the rainfall season, Mr Stegling advised the public to use this year’s seasonal forecast hand in hand with daily weather forecast in order to carry out effective planning and avoid dry-spell where investments might be lost. Ends