Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
SEVERAL parts of the country received significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, with some areas recording more than 40mm, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has reported.
The rains were accompanied by markedly cool afternoon temperatures, with some areas recording particularly low temperatures.
In an update, the MSD said abundant moisture over much of the country resulted in scattered thunderstorms in the northern half on Wednesday, while the southern half experienced periods of rain.
“Abundant moisture prevailing over much of the country resulted in scattered thunderstorms over the northern half of the country on Wednesday, while the southern half experienced periods of rain,” said the MSD.
“The highest rainfall totals were recorded at Shurugwi (40mm), Kwekwe (26mm), Lupane (23mm), Buffalo Range (22mm), Bulawayo (21mm), Kezi (20mm) and Chisumbanje (20mm).”
Other areas received less than 20mm during the same 24-hour period. On Thursday, Harare and Chitungwiza received rain and experienced low temperatures.
On Friday, areas such as Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Masvingo, the southern parts of Midlands and Manicaland are expected to be cloudy, cool and windy in the morning, with a chance of rain and drizzle in some areas.
In the afternoon, it is expected to be mostly cloudy and mild with widespread rain. Isolated showers are expected overnight.
For Matabeleland North, the northern parts of Midlands, Harare Metropolitan and all Mashonaland provinces, the weather is expected to be mostly cloudy, mild and windy for much of the day, with a chance of widespread showers that may be thundery in places. Cool conditions are expected both in the morning and overnight.
Members of the public have been advised to keep warm and plan their day with rain and showers in mind.
“Carry a raincoat where possible. When thunder roars, it is best to be indoors. Do not shelter under trees during thunderstorms,” said the MSD.
On Saturday, the weather is expected to remain mostly cloudy and cool at first, becoming partly cloudy and warm in the afternoon with scattered thunderstorms.
Cool conditions are expected overnight with isolated showers in places.
Meanwhile, some farmers have taken advantage of the current moisture to intensify land preparations, while others, drawing on their intimate knowledge of their local areas, have already started planting.
Experts have, however, cautioned farmers against planting until their soils are fully saturated and have urged farmers to consult their local extension officers for advice on when and what to plant.
