Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has said light showers that have been recorded in some parts of the country do not signify the start of the rainy season.
MSD predicted thunderstorms in Matabeleland region, Midlands, Harare and Mashonaland East and Bulawayo.
The department warned that there are high chances of lightning strikes during this period with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) saying it requires at least $13 billion to respond to weather related hazards. CPU has activated disaster response mechanisms in preparation of disasters during the rainy season.
In an interview, MSD head of forecasting Mr James Ngoma said the rains that have been received in different parts of the country do not signal the start of the rainy season.
“The rains are still isolated and farmers cannot start planting now as some areas have not even received a drop,” said Mr Ngoma. In a weather update, 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.
Meanwhile, the CPU said it was prepared to handle rain related disasters.
In an interview, CPU director Nathan Nkomo said his department has crafted a strategy which will be presented to Cabinet on how it wants to handle rain related disasters this coming rainy season.
Due to climate change the country has in the past few years been recording adverse weather conditions with the worst being Cyclone Idai in 2019 leading to deaths of hundreds of people, livestock and destruction of infrastructure as well as property that included many houses.
Zimbabwe is expecting to receive normal to above normal rainfalls with meteorologists warning of possible cyclones.
“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.
derick.khumalo