The weather report and forecast issued by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection at 4 PM on Tuesday 28 February 2023 valid until Thursday 02 March 2023:
PREAMBLE
Cloudy conditions persisted in the Eastern and Southern Provinces (Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South and Manicaland) under the circulation of the remnants of Tropical Storm Freddy.
This resulted in rain near its centre (over provinces such as Masvingo, Matabeleland South and southern parts of the Midlands), thunderstorms in its close periphery (in all Mashonaland Provinces) and showers in the outer edges of the circulation (areas such as northern areas of the Midlands and Matabeleland North).
Significant precipitation in all three forms; rain in Buffalo Range (61mm) and Beitbridge (35mm), thunderstorms in Mount Darwin (33mm) as well as showers in Mhondoro (25mm).
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY 01 MARCH 2023
Cloudy and mild conditions are expected in the eastern parts of the country, namely southern areas of Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces with generally light rain, though heavier (above 25mm) over Chipinge and Chimanimani Districts.
Mostly cloudy and warm conditions are anticipated in the northern parts of the country (Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and northern parts of Mashonaland East) with isolated afternoon thunderstorms.
Midlands, Bulawayo Metropolitan and all Matabeleland provinces should be mostly sunny and warm, though brief cloudy periods and isolated showers remain probable. Mild both morning and evening.
IMPACTS
- Even when skies seem clear overhead, lightning remains a threat, as thunderstorm clouds may be near.
- Poultry producers should note that broilers are sensitive to temperature variations.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
- Avoid parking your vehicle under or near trees as tree branches/or entire tree trunks may fall.
- Avoid crossing rivers or streams on foot or in a vehicle; just 30cm depth of flowing water can sweep away large vehicles & bridges might have been washed away. 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.
OUTLOOK: WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THURSDAY 02 MARCH 2023
Cloudy, rainy and mild morning conditions are expected in Manicaland and Mashonaland East Provinces, becoming less cloudy as the day progresses.
Matabeleland South and Bulawayo Metropolitan Provinces should start of with mostly clear skies becoming cloudy towards afternoon with isolated afternoon light showers.
Briefly cloudy conditions are expected in all other areas (Matabeleland North, Midlands, Masvingo, Harare Metropolitan, Mashonaland West and Central), with an odd shower being probable. Mild for much of the day.