Since December 2024 and today, much of Botswana and some parts of Southern Africa have been receiving a lot of rainfall at least daily. To some of the people, the rain is an answer to a long period of no rainfall in the country.
Apparently, someone noted that these rains should come so that the Thamalakane River and the Okavango Delta should flow once more for a longer period this year. Conversely, some felt the rain is too much and if there had a way of stopping it they would do that. Surprisingly, some of those who wish the rain could stop are subsistence farmers who complain that they can’t even plough their crop fields because of the continuous almost daily rainfall.
While people have these different views on the reception of the rains, it is worth noting that all of us should exercise maximum care in the raining seasons especially when we cross rivers. We should equally ensure that our children avoid swimming in these open waters. It is unfortunate that in most of the government schools, lessons on swimming are not provided for children either as a sport or as a technique to use in terms of emergency when confronted with water to cross.
While this is the case, it is worth mention that Cyclone Dikeledi which is a tropical cyclone that formed in the South-West Indian Ocean during the 2024-2025 cyclone season contributes to these rains in the region. It was named by the South African Weather Service and followed the typical naming conventions for tropical cyclones in the region. Dikeledi brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possibly severe weather conditions to parts of the Southern African region.
Cyclones in this part of the world often have significant impacts on countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, including Botswana, Mozambique, Madagascar and South Africa. They can influence weather patterns by pushing moisture inland, contributing to heavy rainfall and disturbances in atmospheric conditions over larger regions. Cyclone Dikeledi’s influence on Southern Africa was felt particularly in terms of rainfall, possibly contributing to the persistent rainfall experienced in Botswana between December 2024 and January 2025. Dikeledi’s proximity and the moisture it brought could be playing a role in exacerbating local weather patterns, leading to the heavy and continuous rains observed in the region.
For people living in areas affected by Cyclone Dikeledi, safety is the top priority. Here are key pieces of advice that can help mitigate risks and ensure preparedness during and after the cyclone: i) stay informed by regularly checking for updates from the Department of Meteorological and listening to news media especially Radio Botswana and Botswana Television about the information on the cyclone’s progress, ii) prepare for strong winds and heavy rain; iii) During the cyclone, stay indoors even if conditions seem to improve momentarily.
Strong winds and heavy rain can return unexpectedly. That is, by preparing in advance and staying informed during the cyclone, people can significantly reduce their risks and protect themselves, their families, and their property from the effects of Cyclone Dikeledi.
