Cold spell to continue

Judith Phiri, Sunday News Reporter 

THE Meteorological Services Department has warned of a continued cold spell with severe ground frost in most parts of the country from today up to Tuesday, urging the country’s citizenry to keep warm. 

Farmers have also been warned to take precautionary measures that protect their crops and livestock against forecasted frost conditions. In a statement on Friday, the Met department said the severe ground frost will be accompanied by very cold overnight and early morning conditions in Bulawayo, Matabeleland Provinces, and other areas of the country. 

“This is a level 2 Warning out of 10 (10 being the worst). A level 2 Warning has high likelihood but minor impacts. Most of the impacts will be in frost-prone areas and on frost-sensitive crops and livestock. Precautionary measures can be taken to minimise the effects. Keep warm,” said the Met Department. 

It said the ground frost occurrence was to be mostly felt in frost-prone areas such as Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland North, Midlands, northern Masvingo, Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland East, southern Mashonaland West and Central Provinces. 

The Met Department urged members of the public to watch out for sub-zero ground temperatures and also advised poultry farmers to closely monitor temperatures of their fowl runs.

“What to do, take protective measures for both plants and livestock. Monitor temperature within fowl-runs and adjust accordingly to reduce these impacts of cold conditions for birds and animals. Poultry, especially day-old chicks, are sensitive to overnight decline in temperatures. Practice frost protection measures to reduce frost damage in crops. Consult your local Agritex officer for better advice. Ensure the elderly, persons with disabilities, young and ill are kept warm. Consult your local health practitioner for better advice. If there is need to use a brazier, ensure the room is well ventilated,” read part of the statement. 

 The Met Department said afternoons may seem very warm, making nights seem even colder.