The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe forecasts a mostly sunny Saturday while Sunday marks the return of thundery weather. In a weather report and forecast seen by Pindula News, MSD said some parts of the country experienced cloudy and isolated rain showers on Thursday 26 January 2023. Reads the weather update:
ZIMBABWE EVENING WEATHER REPORT AND FORECAST ISSUED AT 1600 HRS FRIDAY 27 JANUARY 2023 VALID UNTIL SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2023.
PREAMBLE
There were cloudy conditions and isolated rain showers mainly along the Zambezi valley with Binga recording 19mm as the highest rainfall, yesterday. Today, it was mild at first with mostly clear skies over much of the country but became rapidly cloudy and warm as the sun’s rays were still penetrating the thinning layer of cloud. This is as moisture continues to be drawn away from Zimbabwe by Tropical Cyclone Cheneso which is further heading southward along the west coast of Madagascar.
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2023
Much of the country is expected to be mostly sunny and warm, though mild both morning and evening. However, the northern parts of Matabeleland North, northern areas of the Midlands (Gokwe North) Mashonaland West and Central Provinces into the western parts of Mashonaland East are anticipated to become cloudy by afternoon with scattered thunderstorms.
IMPACTS
• Lightning is a major threat during this part of the year, being inherent in thunderstorms.
• Flooded rivers remain a potential hazard; even if it has not rained heavily in the area, heavy rains may have occurred upstream.
• Scattered thunderstorms may induce localized flash flooding in areas with poor drainage or along rivers.
• Sunshine increases the rate of evaporation and dehydration.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
• Take enough fluids to compensate for water loss through dehydration with medical doctors’ advice and irrigate where necessary.
• Fix rooftops and make sure roofing sheets are well secure during these sunny days.
• Where possible, install lightning conductors on buildings, schools and homesteads.
• 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.
• 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.
• Do not ride in the back of an open vehicle or ox-drawn cart during a thunderstorm.
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2023
COUNTRYWIDE Mild and mostly clear skies are expected at first, becoming progressively cloudy from the western parts of the country (Matabeleland North and South Province) spreading to cover the entire country by evening. Thus it should be humid and warm by midmorning with scattered afternoon and evening thundershowers. It is anticipated to get windy towards evening, more felt in districts such as Beitbridge, Mwenezi, Chiredzi and Chipinge.