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Elita Chikwati Harare Bureau
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned the public of heavy rains that may be accompanied by flash floods from tomorrow (Sunday). In statement yesterday, the MSD said heavy rains in excess of 50mm in 24 hours may occur along the main watershed and in Manicaland. “This advisory is issued in anticipation of heavy rains that are forecast to affect the country beginning this Sunday and are expected to intensify from Monday, December 14 until the end of the period.
“While noting that weather patterns may change abruptly, as shown by the transition from current record high daytime temperatures, as of now, the indications are that there would be widespread sharp downpours that might lead to potential flash floods. We are anticipating that falls in excess of 50mm in 24 hours may occur along the main watershed and in Manicaland”, read the statement.
The rains are expected to mark the beginning of the agricultural season in most areas. Some areas received significant rains from November 16-17 and the start of the rainfall season was declared.
MSD forecaster, Tambu Pasipanodya, said the mid-November rains were followed by a long dry spell in most areas, implying a false start of the season in most areas.
“On the performance of the rainfall season so far, the bulk of the country is in the normal to below normal category indicating a poor start to the season as had been forecast in the seasonal forecast,” she said.
Pasipanodya urged farmers to liaise with their local Agritex officers on the advisories so that the forecasted rainfall is taken into context with conditions such as evaporation rates and soil moisture availability that have an effect on the intended agricultural activities. Farmers should also continue to access 1-3 and 10 day weather forecasts.
The MSD said so far the rainfall distribution has been poor resulting in most areas not receiving adequate moisture for planting or to sustain early crop development. Normally Zimbabwe experiences a mid-season dry spell from January into February.
According to MSD, if the mid-season dry spell occurs around the same time during this season and given the delayed start of the season and the likelihood of an early cessation in most areas, this may further compromise moisture availability and thereby affecting crop development.
Online Reporter