The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD) has reported that some parts of the country recorded isolated thunderstorms on Saturday. In a weather report and forecast seen by Pindula News, MSD said some parts of the country will be windy and cloudy. Reads the weather update:
PREAMBLE
ZIMBABWE EVENING WEATHER REPORT AND FORECAST ISSUED AT 1600 HRS SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 2023 VALID UNTIL MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2023.
Isolated thundershowers occurred in Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, and some parts of Manicaland Provinces while in the southern areas such as Matabeleland South, southern Midlands, and Masvingo isolated light drizzly conditions were experienced. However, the amounts measured in most areas were below 10mm except for Chisengu, Buffalo Range, Henderson, and which measured 20mm, 15mm and 12mm respectively.
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW SUNDAY 15 JANUARY 2023
Cloudy and windy conditions are expected in the morning with a chance of isolated light drizzle in Matebeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, southern parts of Midlands, Masvingo, and southern parts of Manicaland Provinces. It should be less cloudy as the day progresses. Isolated thunderstorms are expected in the northern areas namely Matabeleland North, all Mashonaland and Harare Metropolitan, northern parts of Midlands and Northern parts of Manicaland Provinces.
IMPACTS
• Flooded rivers remain a potential hazard; even if it has not rained heavily in the area, heavy rains could have occurred upstream
• Heavy downpours may give rise to flash flooding leading to treacherous road conditions.
• Lightning is a major threat during this part of the year, being inherent in thundershowers.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
• 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.
• 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.
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2023 JANUARY 2023
It should be mostly cloudy in most parts of the country with scattered thunderstorms in areas along and to the north of the central watershed. Isolated downpours are possible. In areas to the south (southern parts of Midlands, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, southern parts of Manicaland Provinces), showers that could be thundery should be anticipated.