Cold spell to continue

Diana Nherera Harare Bureau
THE current cold spell being experienced throughout the country is expected to continue this week as the winter season approaches, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has said. The MSD urged farmers to take note of daily weather forecasts as the current cold patterns might damage their crops. “It’s important to note that with winter slowly approaching, incursions of this cold and dry south westerly airflow from time to time may result in damage to crops such as tomatoes and vegetables. Farmers are therefore urged to monitor and listen to daily weather reports issued by the Meteorological Services Department,” said a statement issued by the department.

Extremely cold weather conditions are expected tomorrow and on Thursday in all Matebeleland provinces and Masvingo.

“From April 15 to 16, indications are that there might be a biting cold in all Matebeleland provinces and in Masvingo due to a cold south westerly airflow expected to affect these parts of the country.”

Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, northern parts of Midlands and Matebeleland North provinces are expected to continue experiencing light showers during the same period caused by residual moisture.

Daytime temperatures are expected to be subdued from Friday up to Sunday due to showers and drizzle expected in Masvingo, Matebeleland South, Bulawayo, southern parts of Midlands and Manicaland provinces.

“From April 17-19, it’s expected to become progressively cloudy almost everywhere by Thursday with rain showers to the north and drizzle to the south.

“Daytime temperatures are expected to be subdued due to cloudiness with maximum temperatures averaging 21 degrees celsius throughout the forecast period.”

The current cold spell is a result of warm tropical air in the northern areas of the country and high pressure system along the south east coast of South Africa.

Storm and rain activities that occurred last week resulted in the Meteorological Services Department recording rainfall temperatures of 50mm at Bindura University followed by 39mm at Victoria Falls airport and 30mm and 27 mm in Mvurwi and Gokwe respectively.