Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of thunderstorms throughout the country that are expected to start today saying the public should remain on high alert of cases of lightning and hailstorms.
In a statement, the MSD said the thunderstorms are expected to start in Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland provinces before spreading to the rest of the country.
The northern parts of Midlands, Mashonaland East and West as well as Harare Metropolitan province should be partly cloudy and hot with slight chances of afternoon showers.
“A cloud band from the Atlantic Ocean is slowly approaching the country through Botswana. It is expected to encroach the western borders of the country by Saturday evening and sweep across the country from Sunday 29 October 2023 till Friday 3 November 2023.
“This could result in scattered thunderstorms across the country, inherent in these thunderstorms will be lightning, localised heavier rains (30mm), strong winds, and hailstorms in some places,” said the MSD.
The public has been warned to watch out for strong winds, lightning, hailstorms, localised heavier rains, fallen trees, damaged roofs, and loose debris.
The department further encouraged people to stay indoors during the duration of the thunderstorms and to avoid contact with electrical appliances.
“Do not use electrical appliances during a storm, these appliances as well as Wi-Fi routers are also vulnerable to lightning strikes. Fix any leakages on roofs, install surge protectors and lightning conductors, if possible,” they warned.
A fortnight ago various parts of the country experienced hailstorms that destroyed crops, vegetation, and windows and the MDS said communities must take caution to avoid further damage to crops.
“Take precautionary measures for both plants and livestock. If possible, cover the plants to protect them from the likelihood of being damaged by hail storms,’ they advised.
The department warned that following initial rains grass has started growing on the roadsides and domestic animals are always on the road edges saying motorists must exercise caution as they drive along the roads.
Visibility is also reduced when driving in rain and motorists must be vigilant.
“Drive carefully during and after rainfall. It is more advisable to stop and park in a safe parking area when it is raining. When thunder rumbles, find appropriate shelter nearby and avoid crossing flooded rivers. Protect yourself from mosquitoes as they breed faster during the rainy season,” read the statement.
The department said the outlook for Monday remains cloudy and windy.
“Windy, cloudy, and cold conditions with rain and drizzle are expected over the Southern parts of Matabeleland South, Bulawayo metropolitan, Masvingo, southern parts of Midlands as well as Manicaland provinces.
“Harare metropolitan, All Mashonaland provinces, and the northern parts of the Midlands should be cloudy and humid with showers late in the day.
“Matabeleland North and northern parts of Matabeleland South should expect late afternoon thunderstorms in partly cloudy conditions,” they added.
The public has been advised to stay informed through the official Meteorological Services Deportment platforms and information can be accessed from their social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram, Whastapp and X. — @NyembeziMu
Bongani Ndlovu