The weather report and forecast issued by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection at 4 PM on Sunday 29 January 2023 valid until Tuesday 31 January 2023:
PREAMBLE
The further eastward movement of (the now Tropical storm) CHENESO into the Indian ocean paved way for the return of the ITCZ and has seen moisture slowly drifting into the country from the North-West.
As a result, isolated thunderstorms ensued in these North-Western areas with Chinhoyi recording (7mm), Victoria falls (6mm) and Gokwe (5mm) of rainfall.
Meanwhile, pressure is rising in the South-Eastern coast of the sub-continent introducing fresh and moist South-easterly winds into the country.
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, MONDAY 30 JANUARY 2023
Isolated afternoon thundershowers are expected in the northern parts of Matabeleland North, all Mashonaland provinces, Harare Metropolitan and Northern parts of Manicaland province.
The Southern parts of Manicaland, Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland South Bulawayo Metropolitan and southern parts of Matabeleland North should however be cloudy, windy and cool with chances of slight morning drizzle.
IMPACTS
- Lightning is a major threat during this part of the year, being inherent in thunderstorms.
- Cold conditions may affect the body’s health, with common colds, influenza, and fever, as well as asthma, being common.
- Poultry producers should note that broilers are sensitive to temperature variations
- Rain and drizzle may affect your outdoor activities, please plan with the weather in mind.
- Rain forms a thin slippery layer on road surfaces which reduces grip and traction.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
- Dress appropriately to keep warm especially overnight, and ensure vulnerable members of society are warm as well.
- Poultry producers should check temperature levels regularly and adjustments made to reduce bird mortality and increase productivity.
- Fix rooftops and make sure roofing sheets are well secure.
- Where possible, install lightning conductors on buildings, schools and homesteads.
- 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 TUESDAY 31 JANUARY 2023
Afternoon thundershowers should persist in the Northern parts of Matabeleland North, all Mashonaland provinces, Harare Metropolitan and Northern parts of Manicaland province while the Southern parts of Manicaland, Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan and Southern parts of Matabeleland North provinces should remain cloudy and windy with cool to mild temperatures.