Cold spell likely to intensify

The department has since issued a warning to members of the public to keep themselves warm.

According to Met Services Department extended weather forecast, the cloudy overcast weather conditions are expected over the Mashonaland region, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo.

“There should be a marked change from today to Friday when cloudy to overcast conditions should be expected.

“These cloudy conditions should be accompanied by drizzle and showers, especially over Manicaland,” reads part of the forecast.

The Meteorological Services Department also there should also be a marked decrease in day-time temperatures, because of the expected cloudy conditions.

The department said from Saturday 11 August to Monday 13 August, there should be a gradual decrease in cloud to the east of the country resulting in a rise in day-time temperatures.

“The risk of run-away fires should be high as vegetation is drying out. Therefore open fires should be discouraged,” reads the forecast.

The weather patterns for the week 31 July to 6 August 2012 were predominantly sunny, but cold.

“There was a significant reduction in the incidence of frost, with the traditionally frost-prone areas recording the lowest ground temperatures,” reads part of the report.

Notable low ground temperatures recorded were on 4 August, with a low of -2°C in Nyanga and Makoholi and on 5 August 2012 when Nyanga had -4 degrees celsius and -2 degrees Celsius recorded for Makoholi.