Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MANICALAND was this week in the grip of a punishing heatwave that sent temperatures soaring to as high as 40°C, leaving residents, livestock and businesses struggling to cope with conditions experts say are being fuelled by climate change.
From the low-lying districts of Chipinge and Buhera to the traditionally cooler high-altitude areas of Nyanga and Chimanimani, the province this week experienced unusually high temperatures, creating widespread discomfort and raising concerns over public health and agricultural productivity.
The prolonged hot spell, characterised by excessive heat and humidity, has transformed what were once isolated periods of extreme weather into broader, more intense climate events affecting vast areas simultaneously.
The effects were being felt across communities, with many residents reporting dehydration, exhaustion, dizziness and severe headaches as they battle the sweltering conditions.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to temperatures ranging between 35°C and 40°C places enormous strain on the human body, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, outdoor workers and people living with chronic illnesses including hypertension and asthma.
The scorching temperatures are also taking a toll on animals, with livestock experiencing reduced appetite, lower fertility rates and declining milk production. Poultry farmers are equally reporting losses as excessive heat causes increased mortality and reduced egg production.
Manicaland Provincial Meteorological Officer, Mr Obedience Nhongo, attributed the extreme conditions to the growing impact of climate change.
“Climate change intensifies global temperatures, altering the water cycle and driving more frequent and severe weather extremes. These include longer and hotter heatwaves, heavier downpours and flash floods, prolonged droughts and stronger storms such as cyclones,” he said.
Meteorological Services Department (MSD) records show that Chisumbanje in Chipinge District registered the province’s highest temperature of 40°C on Monday.
Other areas also recorded exceptionally high temperatures, with Chipinge reaching 35°C, Buhera 37°C, Grand Reef Airport 36°C and Rusape 33°C. Even Nyanga, renowned for its cool climate, recorded 29°C.
Temperatures remained elevated on Tuesday, with Buhera and Grand Reef Airport both reaching 37°C. Chisengu in Chimanimani recorded 34°C, Rusape 34°C, Chipinge 32°C, Nyanga 31°C and Makandi 30°C.
Mr Nhongo said the temperatures recorded in Nyanga and Makandi were particularly alarming given their high-altitude locations.
“When areas such as Nyanga and Makandi record temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, it is a clear indication that the heat is unusually intense,” he said.
In response, the MSD has urged members of the public to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
“People should keep hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water. They should limit exposure to direct sunlight by wearing sun hats and remaining under shade where possible. Residents are also advised against starting outdoor fires, as windy conditions can cause them to spread rapidly,” reads part of the advisory.
Across the province, residents said the heatwave disrupted their daily lives and livelihoods.
Mr Dakarai Dhlamini of Chipinge, described the current conditions as unprecedented.
“This is unlike anything we have experienced before. Those of us who work outdoors are finding it extremely difficult to carry out our duties because of the intense heat,” he said.
For poultry farmer, Mr Edzai Msindo of Dangamvura, the heatwave become an economic threat.
“I lost an entire batch of eggs because of the excessive heat. Some broiler chickens are dying, and production has dropped significantly. If these conditions continue, many farmers will be forced to reduce operations,” he said.
The soaring temperatures also forced some residents to abandon their homes at night in search of cooler sleeping conditions.
Mr Douglas Chiruka of Zimta suburb in Mutare, said his family had resorted to sleeping outdoors.
“The heat inside the house has become unbearable. Since Monday, I have been sleeping outside because it is much cooler than staying indoors,” he said.
Even residents of the province’s cooler mountainous regions say they are struggling to adapt.
Mr Shepherd Tangwena of Ngangu in Chimanimani, said the unusually hot conditions were causing concern in the area.
“We are not accustomed to this kind of heat. It is excessive, and people fear that if it continues, it could lead to human and animal fatalities,” he said.
Blistering temperatures trigger alarm
