ZIMBABWE EVENING WEATHER REPORT AND FORECAST ISSUED AT 1600 HRS ON WEDNESDAY 24 MARCH 2021 VALID UNTIL FRIDAY 26 MARCH 2021.
PREAMBLE
Rain and drizzle permeated areas along and to the south of the main watershed [namely Matabeleland South, southern areas of the Midlands (from Gweru southward through to Zvishavane), southern areas of Mashonaland East (Marondera to Chivhu), Masvingo and Manicaland Provinces yesterday.
On the other hand, provinces such as Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, northern districts of Mashonaland East, northern areas of the Midlands, Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan had thunderstorms, with the heaviest falls over Karoi and Marondera (both measuring 22 mm) while Chisengu had 20 mm. All other areas had less than 15 mm.
However, a cloud-band encroaching into the western parts of Zimbabwe should change this outlook.
FORECAST
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021:
Matabeleland South, southern districts of Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan into parts of the Midlands is expected to be mostly sunny and mild at first becoming warm and progressively cloudy by afternoon, with thunderstorms in places.
Harare Metropolitan and all Mashonaland Provinces should be cloudy and mild at first with morning rain being probable, becoming much warmer by afternoon with more sunshine.
The rest of the country (namely Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces) should be mostly sunny and warm by day becoming mild towards evening.
IMPACTS
- Lightning can still strike from a distant cloud when the skies above you are mostly blue and cloudless. (This is commonly called a “bolt from the blue”).
- Isolated trees and shed have a high potential of being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
- Remember when you are close enough to hear thunder less than 30 seconds after you see
lightning then you are close enough to get struck. It is safer to seek shelter in a closed building when this occurs. - When thunder roars, go indoors. Do not hide under a tree or in an isolated shed.
- Keep physically distant from livestock and other people once a storm begins till it ends.
- Do not ride at the back of a pick-up truck or a tractor during thunderstorms.
OUTLOOK
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY 26 MARCH 2021
Afternoon and Evening thunder are expected over Matabeleland South, southern areas of Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands, Harare Metropolitan and Masvingo provinces.
These areas may begin-off mostly sunny and mild, becoming rapidly warm, humid and cloudy by midday.
The rest of the country (Manicaland and all Mashonaland provinces) should be mostly sunny and warm, though mild in the morning and towards evening.
An odd shower is probable with the advection of moisture.
