The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has reiterated that Tropical Cyclone Freddy is strengthening near the west coast of Madagascar. In a weather report and forecast seen by Pindula News, the department said there were isolated thunderstorms in some parts of the country this Monday. Reads the weather update:
ZIMBABWE EVENING WEATHER REPORT AND FORECAST ISSUED AT 1600 HRS MONDAY 06 MARCH 2023 VALID UNTIL WEDNESDAY 08 MARCH 2023.
PREAMBLE
The outer fringes of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, currently over the extreme northern parts of the country, resulted in isolated thunderstorms in Harare Metropolitan, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East Provinces. Out of these, the highest was only 21mm at Mount Darwin followed by Chinhoyi at 14mm. The rest of the country was mostly sunny due to the influence of Tropical Storm Freddy (currently strengthening near the west coast of Madagascar, more than 1’000 km away), which continues to dry out much of the atmosphere. Meanwhile, moist winds from the southeast coast of Southern Africa have begun encroaching into the southern districts of Masvingo Province.
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, TUESDAY 07 MARCH 2023
Cloudy, windy and mild morning conditions are anticipated over Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, southern parts of Midlands and Masvingo with patchy drizzle. Brief cloudy periods and isolated afternoon showers are expected in the extreme northern parts of Mashonaland Central and West Provinces. Warm by day and mild overnight All other areas should have mostly clear skies, mild at first becoming hot by noon.
IMPACTS
• Temperature fluctuations from very hot, to mild (seemingly cool) and warm, are to be anticipated.
• Cloudy, Windy and mild day is to be expected on Tuesday over the southern areas.
• Morning Drizzle might cause a minor disruption to outdoor activities on Tuesday morning
• Hot conditions increase dehydration and evapotranspiration.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
• Plan with the weather in mind in terms of dressing and activities to perform during the start of this week.
• Keep hydrated and if there is a need to stay outdoors for a prolonged period, ensure to wear a sunhat or sunscreen.
• Monitor plants and animals/pets for moisture and heat stress and act accordingly to reduce these impacts by watering or giving them adequate water to drink.
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR WEDNESDAY 08 MARCH 2023
Brief cloudy periods and light showers are expected over the extreme northern parts of Matabeleland North, western districts of Matabeleland South, and northern areas of Manicaland into Mashonaland East and Central Provinces. It should be warm by day, becoming mild towards evening All other areas are anticipated to be mild at first becoming warm by afternoon, with mostly sunny conditions prevailing.