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Farai Rugeje Agriculture reporter
Most parts of Zimbabwe are expected to continue receiving rainfall this week, the Meteorological Services Department head of public weather services Mr Tich Zinyemba has confirmed. MSD head of forecasting, Mr Zinyemba, yesterday said downpours starting today are likely to be experienced as a cloud band was forecast to cover the country.
“Provinces set to receive rainfall amounting to more than 10mm are Masvingo, Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Harare, with the rains spreading to other provinces as the week progresses.
“Moist conditions should persist over Matabeleland North, north of the Midlands, Mashonaland provinces, Harare and the North of Manicaland. The falls should be generally light to moderate. There should be a bias of heavier falls over Mashonaland Central,” said Mr Zinyemba. South of Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland and Bulawayo should be mostly cloudy, with patchy drizzle for most parts of the week.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union vice president Mr Johnson Mapira warned that the ground is water-logged and any runoff that occurs might potentially trigger flooding in vleis and poorly drained soils.
“Traditionally flood-prone areas will also be at heightened risk, consequently all necessary measures should be taken to minimise loss of life and property.
“The public is urged to liaise with community leaders, local police and other agencies that deal with disaster risk reduction whenever they encounter unforeseen circumstances that are potentially life-threatening,” he said.
A deep low over Botswana caused moist and unstable air to cover the northern parts of the country.
Thunderstorm activity was experienced over Matabeleland North, north of the Midlands, Mashonaland provinces and to the north of Manicaland for the period. Convergence caused by these pressure rises resulted in some heavy falls on some days.
Agricultural experts have, however, indicated that late planted crops still have a fair chance of surviving.
Online Reporter