‘Cold spell temporary’

Samantha Chigogo Herald Correspondent
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said the drastic change in temperatures which occurred on Wednesday and resulted in a countrywide cold spell was a result of frequent pressure rising in the southeast of the subcontinent.

The MSD said the cold weather in the past two days was evidence of common cloud systems that move into Zimbabwe every October and early November from Botswana.

Chief meteorological officer Mr Jonathan Chifuna said, scientifically, high temperatures had paved way for cooler temperatures.

“High pressure to the south east of the sub region introduced a cool and moist south easterly airflow in the southern parts of the country by November 2, 2015 and those spread to cover the country by November 3.

“As a result of the high temperatures and the convergence that occurred (meeting of the north-westerly and the south-easterly airflow) there was thunderstorm activity across the country, but the rains that were received were generally light,” he said.

Mr Chifuna said some parts of the country experienced falls in temperature of up to 20 degrees Celsius.

“The greater parts of the country received the cold breeze and recorded very low temperatures with stations like Chipinge recording a maximum of 14°C, Buhera recording 16°C, Masvingo recording 17°C and Chiredzi recording 22°C whilst West Nicholson recorded a maximum of 23°C,” he said.