The weather report and forecast issued by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection at 4 PM on Wednesday 11 January 2023 valid until Friday 13 January 2023:
PREAMBLE
Clouds were slowly trickling into the southern parts of the country (Matabeleland South, Masvingo and the southern part of Manicaland) as winds strengthened.
Harare Metropolitan, northern parts of Manicaland and all Mashonaland Provinces were mostly cloudy with localized heavy rains in areas such as Buhera (91mm), Henderson (53mm) and Southerton, Harare (38mm).
Mostly sunny and warm conditions were experienced in Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan and Midlands Provinces.
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, THURSDAY 12 JANUARY 2023
It should be windy and mild over Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Masvingo, southern parts of Midlands (Mberengwa to Chirumhanzu) and Manicaland, with scattered clouds drifting in with these south-easterly winds.
Brief cloudy periods and isolated afternoon thundershowers are anticipated in provinces such as Matabeleland North, Harare Metropolitan, northern districts of Manicaland (Nyanga, Makoni and Mutasa Districts) and all Mashonaland Provinces with localized downpours being probable.
It is expected to be warm by the afternoon though mild both morning and evening.
IMPACTS
- Temperature fluctuations may affect the health of vulnerable members of society.
- Strong winds may blow off roofs and damage property.
- Lightning is a major threat during this part of the year, being inherent in thundershowers.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
- Ensure that vulnerable members of society are kept warm, especially toward evening.
- Avoid crossing rivers or streams of unknown depth; even if it has not rained heavily in the area, it might have done so upstream. 30cm depth of fast-flowing water can sweep away large vehicles.
- Heavy rains may reduce visibility; if driving, please find somewhere safe to park till the rains subside.
- When thunder roars, go indoors. Where possible, stay indoors during thunderstorms.
- Avoid contact with water or metal objects including farming equipment when lightning is visible, even from a distance. Umbrellas are not safe during storms, raincoats are better, best is to be indoors.
- Plan with the weather in mind. Be weather-wise!
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY 13 JANUARY 2023
Cloudy and mild conditions are anticipated in provinces such as Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, southern districts of Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland Provinces with light drizzle in place.
Isolated thunderstorms are probable in Matabeleland North, Harare Metropolitan, northern areas of Manicaland and all Mashonaland Provinces with mostly cloudy, windy and warm afternoon conditions prevailing, though mild both morning and evening.