adminResponding to questions by Chronicle yesterday amid concerns that the cold spell could mark the onset of the winter season, senior meteorological officer Mr Jonathan Chifuna said although a marked increase in daytime temperatures was expected, night temperatures would remain relatively cold.
“Cloudy conditions with light drizzle are expected on 4 April 2012 over Manicaland. After that there should be gradual clearing in cloud and sunny conditions should prevail, with fair weather cloud developing by the afternoon,” said Mr Chifuna
He said rains fell across the country from 28 March to 2 April.
“Some of the rains that were received were heavy. Notably Kadoma recorded 98mm on 31 March, Harare Airport 58mm, Marondera 39mm, Mutoko 32mm and Plumtree 29mm,” said Mr Chifuna.
“On 1 April 2012, Chipinge had 58mm and Guruve 54mm. On 2 April 2012, Guruve again had significant falls recording 41mm, Mutare 25mm and Karoi, Mvurwi and Mutare had 24mm each.
“There was also a marked decrease in day time temperatures, with some places recording maximum temperatures of 16°C (Mukandi), Bulawayo (Goetz) 17°C on 2 April,” said Mr Chifuna.
He, however, said these temperatures were quite cool for this time of the year and there were no records broken.
“These rains which covered the whole country were as a result of a middle level cloud system that moved into the country from the west (Botswana).
“There was also increased convergence due to pressure rises over the south east coast from Friday to Saturday,” said Mr Chifuna.
Online Reporter