The weather report and forecast issued by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection at 4 PM on Thursday 23 February 2023 valid until Saturday 25 February 2023:
PREAMBLE
Moderate Tropical Storm Freddy is now in the Mozambique channel headed West-South-West, slowly towards the south-eastern parts of Mozambique.
In this position, it was inducing cool winds into the south-eastern parts of the country, today. These winds have begun to strengthen as the Tropical Storm draws closer to the coast of Mozambique.
Landfall is expected overnight [03:00 am Friday, 24 February 2023] in the southern parts of Mozambique, with its cloud bands spreading to cover a radius of 500km beyond the eye of the storm (i.e. reaching the Eastern Highlands while still in the Mozambique Channel).
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2023,
Strong winds due to Severe Tropical Storm Freddy and early morning rain (03:00 am) are anticipated in Chipinge and Chimanimani, and spreading to Chiredzi, Bikita, Mwenezi as well as Beitbridge.
It should get progressively more cloudy from east to west in these areas as the day progresses, with heavy downpours towards evening.
In Harare Metropolitan, and northern parts of Manicaland and all Mashonaland Provinces mostly cloudy conditions are expected with isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms and a light breeze time and again. Slight gusts are probable.
All other areas (Matabeleland North, Midlands, Bulawayo Metropolitan and much of Matabeleland South Province) are anticipated to be briefly cloudy and warm though an odd shower cannot be ruled out.
IMPACTS
- Windy conditions may blow off rooftops and loose debris, as well as break tree branches.
- Heavy rains and flooded rivers remain a potential hazard; even if it has not rained heavily in the area, heavy rains may have occurred upstream.
- Even when skies seem clear overhead, lightning remains a threat, as thunderstorm clouds may be near.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
- Ensure rooftops are checked and maintained to reduce the likelihood of being blown off by strong winds
- Stay indoors during heavy storms. Avoid crossing rivers or streams on foot or in a vehicle; just a 30cm depth of flowing water can sweep away large vehicles. Wait for the rain/flood water to subside.
- When lightning is visible or thunder audible, go indoors and avoid contact with water or metal objects. Umbrellas are not safe during storms, and raincoats are better, however, staying indoors is the best.
HEAVY RAINS MAY PERSIST IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY (MASVINGO, SOUTH OF MANICALAND AND SOUTH OF MATABELELAND SOUTH) FOR MUCH OF THE WEEKEND
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2023
Localised heavy falls are probable in Chisengu, Chisumbanje, Buffalo Range and Beitbridge (due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy) with cloudy and windy conditions, becoming less windy toward evening.
It should be cloudy with occasional sunny breaks followed by afternoon and or evening showers which may be thundery in places over (Matabeleland South, Masvingo and southern parts of Manicaland provinces.
Elsewhere, it should be mostly sunny and warm however an odd shower remains probable due to residual moisture in places.