adminResponding to questions from the Chronicle yesterday amid concerns that the prolonged cold spell could mark the start of the winter season, Meteorological Services Department senior Head, Public Weather Service Mr Tichaona Zinyemba said winter commences mid-May.
“We are now into the post rainy season as the cool season beckons and during this time, the weather is characterised by clear skies and occasionally incursions of cloudy and cold spells mainly in Manicaland, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Bulawayo,” said Mr Zinyemba.
He said the trend associated with the post rainy season was that temperatures start dropping overnight resulting in frost especially around the Matopos area.
“The commencement of the winter season is a process not an event. Subsequently, there is no cut off date, but it may, generally the cool season begins from mid-May to August,” said Mr Zinyemba.
He said clear skies at night assisted in the loss of heat energy (radiational cooling) from the ground.
“This in turn makes the air adjacent to the ground cold especially at dawn, this is the time when minimum temperatures are at their lowest hence the cold that is being felt across the country,” said Mr Zinyemba.
He said average temperatures differed from place to place and was determined by the height of the place above sea level.
“Provision of warmth to those vulnerable members of society is advisable but should be cognisant of the fact that cutting down of trees is not encouraged,” said Mr Zinyemba.
Online Reporter