Online Reporter
Sinokubonga Nkala
IT is not just cold, it’s disrespectful!
A mean, moody cold front is tearing into southern Zimbabwe and leaving teeth chattering from Beitbridge to Chipinge. The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) says this week will be one long shiver-fest, with icy winds, drizzle, and temperatures dropping like cellphone battery on 2%.
And folks are feeling it.
“This cold is witchcraft, I tell you! I haven’t felt my toes since Tuesday night,” fumed Gogo MaNcube from Filabusi, wrapped in two jerseys and a woollen headscarf.
“Even my chickens may die in the fowl-run!”
The official warning covers Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Manicaland, and southern Midlands, running from Wednesday May 21 to Saturday May 24.
MSD says the sudden shift is caused by moist, cool winds blowing in from the southeast coast, dropping temperatures by up to 9°C.
“This is not normal May weather. My bones are arguing with me,” laughed John ‘Skhulu’ Moyo, a kombi driver in Zvishavane. “I had to dig out my old blanket from 2008.”
But while some are laughing it off, authorities are dead serious about the dangers. Braziers and open fires are heating up homes and that could turn deadly. “Ensure rooms are ventilated,” warned the MSD. “We’re seeing more cases of carbon monoxide poisoning when people sleep next to fires in closed huts.”
Doctors are also on alert. “Expect more cases of flu, fever and chest infections,” said a health official from Mpilo Central Hospital. “We’re advising people to dress warmly and avoid unnecessary exposure, especially for children and the elderly.”
Social media’s gone wild with cold memes, herbal concoctions and DIY tricks. One post showing a man sleeping next to his dog, captioned “Teamwork makes the dream warm,” has gone viral. Another user joked, “If your crush isn’t texting you back, it’s not shade — it is frostbite!”
The cold is expected to ease by Sunday, May 25 — but until then, keep warm.
TIP: Don’t be a statistic. Wrap up, warm up, and stay alive.
