Harsh drought predicted for Botswana
Baboki Kayawe | Monday September 14, 2015 15:15
There is no redemption in sight for Gaborone, Bokaa and Nnywane Dams, which are headed for their worst dry spells as we approach the next rainy season,
The situation could even be worst than before for the greater Gaborone residents with northern dams such as Ntimbale, Letsibogo, Shashe, not expected to fill up due to poor rains predicted across the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ briefing on the upcoming rainfall season in Gaborone recently, authorities said while the rest of the country would be moderately dry (which is from October until March) the southern parts (Kgalagadi, Southern, Kweneng and Southeast districts) are expected to receive normal to below-normal rains.
Verana Jansen of the Department of Meteorological Services said the northern parts of the country- Ngamiland, Chobe, Gantsi, Central and Northeast districts are expected to receive below normal-to-normal rains.
“For the months of November, December and early 2016 (January) normal to below normal rains are expected for Southeast, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Southern, Northeast districts and eastern parts of the Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve (CKGR). During the same period, northern and western parts- Ngamiland, Chobe, Gantsi and Kgalagadi districts -will receive normal to below normal rains,” Jansen said. However, in January and February, the northern parts of Ngamiland and Chobe are expected to receive normal to above normal rains. “Thus it is expected to be moderately wet over this area. The western parts are expected to receive normal to below normal normal rains,” Jansen said.
During the period, the Southeast, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Southern, Northeast, Central dstricts and eastern parts of CKGR are expected to remain relatively dry with below normal-to-normal rains predicted.
Jansen added that overall, a deficit in rainfall is expected over the coming rainfall season, mainly due to the potentially persistent strong El Nino conditions.