The weather report and forecast issued by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection at 4 PM on Wednesday 04 January 2023 valid until Friday 06 January 2023:
PREAMBLE
The main watershed had both the heat from the sunshine in the southern parts of the country, as the Matabeleland South, Masvingo, southern areas of Midlands, and southern parts of Manicaland were mostly sunny and hot; and the moisture from the northern parts of the country, which were cloudy with rain showers that were thundery in place.
This combination led to convective storms in areas such as Bulawayo (93mm), Rusape (42mm), Kwekwe (32mm) and Marondera (28mm).
Meanwhile, more insolation is occurring even in the northern areas as clouds are breaking; coupled with this, more moisture is approaching in the form of a cloud band from the west (in Botswana currently).
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, THURSDAY 05 JANUARY 2023
Southern areas (Matabeleland South, Masvingo, southern areas of Midlands, and southern parts of Manicaland) should be sunny and mild at first, becoming hot and humid by midday. Isolated thunderstorms and brief cloudy periods are expected to spread from the west into all these areas.
Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan, northern districts of Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, northern parts of Manicaland and all Mashonaland Provinces are anticipated to be mostly cloudy with light morning rain and afternoon thundershowers. Heavy rains remain probable.
IMPACTS
- Lightning strikes remain a threat to humans and livestock, as well as infrastructure.
- Localized heavy rains may reduce visibility in a few areas, more so at night.
- Flash flooding is probable in localized areas especially those that have water-saturated soils, impervious (paved) grounds, wetlands and river basins.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
- Avoid crossing flooded rivers, swollen streams, areas where flash flooding has occurred, or where flowing water is above ankle height. Noting that, a 30cm depth of flowing water can sweep away large vehicles. Wait for the water to subside before attempting to cross, even if no heavy rains have occurred in the area in question, they may have occurred upstream.
- When thunder roars, go indoors. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the thunderstorms have ended. These are precautionary measures to reduce the chances of being struck by lightning.
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY 06 JANUARY 2023
Cloudy and warm conditions are expected countrywide, with morning rain coupled with afternoon thunderstorms.
Towards evening, south-easterly winds should begin to strengthen and feed more moisture to the southern and eastern parts of the country.
Thus heavy overnight rains are anticipated in the southern parts of Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland South Provinces as well as southern parts of the Midlands Province.