Met depart warns of frost

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned the public on the cold weather being experienced throughout the country urging farmers to be mindful of the drop in temperatures saying frost can affect their livestock and crops.

The MSD said people must also be cautious and ensure they are protected from weather elements as they could  lead to illness if unattended to.

“Crops or harvests that may be affected by rainfall should be placed in suitable locations or covered.

Poultry producers should note that broilers are sensitive to temperature variations and therefore need to be checked regularly and adjustments made.

Farmers in areas prone to ground frost should under-take frost prevention measures such as overhead irrigation of crops usually at night /early in the morning,” MSD said in a statement.

The MSD reported that temperature fluctuations between night and day may affect the body’s health, with common colds, influenza, fever as well as asthma being common.

It encouraged dressing appropriately to keep warm especially overnight, and ensure vulnerable members of society that are old, ill and infirm are kept warm as well.

The MSD said the general public must be mindful of the change in temperatures, saying nights when the sky is clear are much colder than those where cloudy conditions persist.

They reported that ground frost was also going to be a problem to farmers as it may affect some crops and even poultry.

Last year in June, smallholder farmers in Bulawayo and Gwanda were left counting their losses after frost affected their produce that was still in the fields.

The farmers lost tomatoes and cabbages to the frost attack after the cold spell.

A flower producing plot in Richmond, Bulawayo also lost their plants due to the cold spell last year.

All the crops that had been planted were for export to South Africa.

The MSD said the forecast for today, will be characterised by clear skies, cold morning conditions expected to dominate much of the country with slight ground frost probable in areas such as Kadoma, West Nicholson, Gwanda, Chivhu, Gweru, Henderson, Nyanga and Rusape.

They said it should become mild by the afternoon and cold again towards the evening.

– @NyembeziMu.