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Precious Manomano Herald Reporter
Cloudy conditions are expected to move across Zimbabwe this weekend, starting in the west over Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan and Matabeleland South, with light showers, thunder and lightning in some areas.
The Meteorological Services Department has warned that the thunderstorms may include violent winds and lightning strikes, and has advised people to try and be indoors during these storms.
While there may be rain in some areas, this will be very light and unlikely to be enough for farmers to start planting.
“Farmers should note that these showers are generally very light, less than 10 mm. Effective rain is at least 30mm. So these may not be effective rains for planting. Members of the public can consult their local Agritex officers for better advice,’’ said the department.
These isolated early showers and thunderstorms are typical of summer weather before the main rains arrive and in the past have not signalled the start of the planting season.
The Met Department now issues a series of forecasts for the rain season. There is the three month rolling forecast, that is the month of the forecast and the next two months which is a more general indication, plus the more detailed 10-day, 3-day and daily forecasts.
Already the forecasts for the next three months issued through the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and that used at the National Climate Outlook Forum, a platform where planners seek guidance, the Met Department said that between this month and year end there will be increased chances of normal-to-below normal rainfall for most parts of the country.
But the greater part of Matabeleland North, parts of Bulawayo Metropolitan, parts of Midlands, in particular Gokwe North and South, parts of Matabeleland South province covering Bulilima district and parts of Mashonaland West have more chance of below normal-to-normal rainfall.
Online Reporter