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Herald Reporter
Some rains were experienced in some parts of the country, including Harare, on Monday, catching many people unaware and had to run for cover.
But the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) says the light showers recorded do not signify the start of the rainy season.
The MSD has predicted thunderstorms in the Matabeleland region, Midlands, Harare and Mashonaland East and Bulawayo.
It also said there were high chances of lightning strikes during this period, with the Department of Civil Protection Unit saying it requires at least $13 billion to respond to weather-related hazards.
Disaster response mechanisms have since been activated ahead of the rainy season.
In an interview, MSD head of forecasting Mr James Ngoma said: “The rains are still isolated and farmers cannot start planting now as some areas have not even received a drop.”
In a weather update, the MSD said isolated thunderstorms were expected in Matabeleland South.
“Isolated afternoon thunder showers are expected in areas along the main watershed with brief clouds coupled with hot and humid afternoon conditions. All other areas should be mostly sunny and hot by the day, becoming mild towards evening. Brief cloudy periods and odd showers remain probable over Beitbridge and Gwanda districts,” said MSD.
It said thunder clouds started drifting into Matabeleland South spreading to Bulawayo, southern parts of Matabeleland North, central parts of Midlands, to Harare Metropolitan and southern districts of Mashonaland East on Monday.
In an interview, DCPU director Mr Nathan Nkomo said they had crafted a strategy which would be presented to Cabinet probably next week, detailing how they will handle rain-related disasters this season.
“We already have our plans in place because if you look at the Civil Protection Act, it talks about planning first so that you have a framework which you can operate from. We constantly get updates from MSD and from the Climate Services Centre on possible weather outlook,” said Mr Nkomo.
He said from the information, CPU together with other Sadc stakeholders come up with a roadmap on how to handle disasters.
He warned people against crossing flooded rivers and standing under trees when raining. — Additional reporting: Bulawayo Bureau
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