The weather report and forecast issued by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection at 4 PM on Thursday 12 January 2023 valid until Saturday 14 January 2023:
PREAMBLE
Isolated thunderstorms occurred in the northern parts of Matabeleland, Harare Metropolitan and all Mashonaland Provinces.
The highest rainfalls were at Mutoko (37mm), Mvurwi (20mm), Karoi (19mm), Bindura (19mm) and Mount Darwin (15mm).
Relatively cool south-easterly winds from the south coast of Southern Africa resulted in brief cloudy conditions in Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Manicaland Provinces.
Other parts of the country were under mostly sunny conditions and warm.
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, FRIDAY 13 JANUARY 2023
Briefly cloudy and warm conditions are expected in provinces such as Matabeleland North, Harare Metropolitan, northern districts of Manicaland (Nyanga, Makoni and Mutasa Districts) and all Mashonaland Provinces, with isolated afternoon thunderstorms. It should be mild both morning and evening.
The southern areas of the country, namely Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South, southern parts of Midlands, Masvingo and southern areas of Manicaland (Chipinge, Chimanimani, Buhera and Mutare Districts) are anticipated to be mostly cloudy, windy and mild at first, with light drizzle in places, becoming less cloudy towards sunset.
IMPACTS
- Temperature fluctuations and wind chill may affect the health of vulnerable members of society.
- Drizzle may affect morning plans in some areas.
- 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 SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 2023
Brief cloudy periods are expected over Matabeleland South, Masvingo and southern parts of Manicaland. It should be mild at first becoming warm later.
Mostly cloudy conditions and isolated thunderstorms are anticipated in the northern part of the country (Matabeleland North, northern parts of Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, northern areas of Manicaland and all Mashonaland Provinces). Warm by day and mild overnight.
Bulawayo Metropolitan and southern Midlands are forecast to be mostly sunny and warm, though mild both morning and night.