The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of the possibility of erratic rainfall across much of northern Zimbabwe from October to December.
However, the MSD has forecasted normal to above normal in some central and southern western regions of the country over the same period.
MSD head of forecasting James Ngoma told The Herald on Friday that the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) which normally brings rains across the country might delay. He said:
Areas in Matabeleland north and south, Bulawayo — in the south and western part of the country started receiving rains as early as September. This was followed by a dry spell and some isolated showers last week.
We are expecting isolated showers over the Eastern Highlands this weekend. We expect these to spread into the interior of the country on Monday and Tuesday (next week).
Most areas in the south and western parts of the country have received less than 5mm of rain.
There might be a false start in the northern parts. Some areas might not receive rain as the systems have not fully established.
Rains are more likely in the southwestern part of the country where there are forecasted to be normal to above normal for the October — November — December period while in the northern part, rains are forecast to be below normal to normal as the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) which normally bring rains might delay.
The UK Met Office defines ITCZ as a band of low pressure around the Earth which generally lies near the equator. The trade winds of the northern and southern hemispheres come together here, which leads to the development of frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Meanwhile, according to the Zimbabwe National Climate Outlook Forum, the country is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in the 2022 – 23 cropping season.