Vusumuzi Dube
Sunday News Reporter
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has issued a warning ind zicating that heavy rains, thunderstorms, and flash floods are expected to affect most parts of Zimbabwe until Saturday. This advisory was released over the weekend, highlighting that rainfall could exceed 50 millimeters (mm) within a 24-hour period across the country.
Current Weather Conditions
Since late December 2024, an influx of moisture from a cloud system has been causing significant rainfall, which is set to continue into January 2025. Areas such as Matabeleland North, northern regions of Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, northern parts of Manicaland, and all Mashonaland Provinces are forecasted to experience scattered thundershowers from January 5 to 8, 2025.
Upcoming Weather Changes
The MSD has also noted that additional moisture arriving from the southeast coast of Southern Africa on Wednesday evening will lead to cloudy, windy, and cold conditions in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland Provinces.
By Friday, January 10, the intensity of the rain is expected to increase, particularly in the southern parts of Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Harare Metropolitan Provinces, with rainfall potentially exceeding 50mm in 24 hours.
Flooding Risks and Safety Precautions
The MSD has cautioned that flooding could occur even in areas that do not receive heavy rainfall, as upstream conditions can lead to downstream flooding. The potential for violent storms poses risks such as falling trees, blown-off rooftops, and collapsing billboards due to strong winds.
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