Delayed and erratic start to the rainy season projected – Met Dept

Rutendo Nyeve

THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has projected a delayed and erratic start to the 2025/26 rainy season.

Through a seasonal rainfall forecast statement for the October-November-December (OND) period, the MSD said the country should prepare for initial dry conditions.

“A delayed, erratic start with initial dry conditions in October-November is expected, while prospects improve nationally from December onwards, though northern areas may dry out again later in the season,” reads the statement.

The forecast also indicates a shift in temperatures, with warmer than average conditions in October and November, followed by a cooler December.

Spatially, the rainfall distribution is expected to be varied.
“Thus overall, for the first half of the season, the southern and western regions are anticipated to receive normal to above-normal rain; while the northern provinces will have normal to below-normal rainfall,” reads the statement.
This forecast provides critical information for farmers and various sectors to plan accordingly.