Met Dept projects heavy rains

Talent Gore

THE Meteorological Services Department has warned that heavy rains could hit most parts of the country between tomorrow and January 3.

In a statement yesterday, the Met Department said the heavy rains are expected to start from the northern parts of the country, spreading to the south.

It said the heavy rains would be caused by drifting of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which is the region that circles the earth, near the equator, where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres come together.

“Watch out for localised heavy rains (in excess of 50mm) with lightning and hailstorms in some places.

The department said moisture should start drifting into the country from Zambia through all Mashonaland provinces starting tomorrow and will spread towards other parts of the country.

“This should gradually spread southwards to cover Matabeleland North, northern parts of Midlands, northern districts of Manicaland, Bulawayo Metropolitan and Harare Metropolitan provinces into the New Year, with a cloud band expected to enhance rainfall over Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces during the first week of January 2023,” the statement said.

It also warned of destruction of infrastructure by the heavy rains and advised people to take extra caution during the mentioned period.

“The public should watch out for blown off rooftops, loose debris, and fallen trees due to strong winds and open drains and potholes that may be covered in water. Stay indoors during thunderstorms unless it is an emergency.”