adminMeteorological Services Department head of public weather service Mr Tichaona Zinyemba said between 30 March and 4 April their forecasts predict an increase in occurrences of heavy rain throughout the country.
He said the heavy rains would reach a peak between 31 March and 2 April.
“It is likely that amounts exceeding 50 millimetres in 24 hours will be realised during the period,” said Mr Zinyemba.
He said their recent satellite images were showing that parts of Matabeleland North and South were being affected by the unsettled weather from neighbouring Botswana.
“Accordingly, there will be heightened risk of violent thunderstorms, strong winds and hail,” said Mr Zinyemba.
He said the rains were eventually expected to weaken by mid-next week, but could remain active over parts of Matabeleland North and Mashonaland provinces.
“The Meteorological Services Department will continue to monitor the situation and advise accordingly,” said Mr Zinyemba.
According to the Meteorological Services Department, the southern parts of the country have received less than 75 percent average rainfall since the start of the 2011-2012 rainy season.
The department said Inyathi district in Matabeleland North had recorded the lowest rainfall total so far, with about 116mm since the start of the rainy season.
However, the southern parts of the country especially Matabeleland, have been the hardest hit by climate change and that has resulted in the region recording low rainfall and poor crop yields.
According to the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Dr Joseph Made, about 500 000 hectares of land planted in this year’s farming season are a complete write-off due to reduced rainfall.
Online Reporter