Rainfall activity to decline — Met Dept

The Meteorological Services Department has, however, forecast a decline in rainfall activity from today until Monday next week.
“There was widespread rainfall activity across the country with heavy falls particularly in the Mashonaland Provinces, Midlands, Harare and Manicaland.

“As a result on December 28 2011 the Meteorological Services Department issued a warning for potential floods in low lying areas through the relevant print and electronic media,” senior meteorological officer Mr Jonathan Chifuna said.
He said there should be a decline in rainfall activity between yesterday and January 9.

“This is as a result of a high pressure centre that has developed in the middle levels (Botswana Upper High). There should be bias of light falls over the Mashonaland Provinces, Harare and the North of Manicaland. Hot daytime temperatures are expected,” he added.
On Christmas day Harare Research Station recorded 55mm, Chipinge 41mm, Harare Airport 38mm and Harare Belvedere37mm.

On December 27, Gweru recorded 26mm and the following day Ashdown Park (Harare) recorded 126mm, Warren Park (Harare) 94mm, Harare (Belvedere) 93mm, Harare Airport 75mm, Marondera 69mm and Harare (Logan Park) 62mm.

Last Thursday Chinhoyi had a 24-hour total of 89mm, Rusape 63mm, Zaka 58mm and Gweru 45mm.
On December 30 Rusape recorded 74mm and Masvingo 39mm.

On New Year’s Eve Marondera recorded 87mm, Mutoko 74mm, Guruve 56mm, Kadoma 55mm and Warren Park 51mm.
Last Sunday Belvedere recorded 52mm and Wedza 41mm.

On Monday Mutoko recorded 34mm and Gokwe 33mm.
Mr Chifuna said although these were significant falls some places, which do not have rain gauges, might have received more.

He advised farmers to seek guidance from the relevant authorities on agricultural activities.