The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted a reduction in rainfall activity over the southern and western parts of Zimbabwe from Saturday, January 25, to Friday, January 31, 2025.
These regions, which are often prone to drought, can expect drier conditions in the coming week.
In a weather advisory issued on Friday evening, the MSD said that Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South provinces will experience a decrease in rainfall until the end of the month. The Met Department said:
<blockquote>
Moisture from the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is being pushed further north of the country resulting in the northern and eastern areas of the country (Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, and Manicaland Provinces) expected to have thundershowers; while, Masvingo, Midlands, Bulawayo Metropolitan, and all Matabeleland Provinces are anticipated to be mostly sunny and hot conditions due the circulation of relatively dry air over the southwestern parts of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>

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The weather department says parts of Zimbabwe will have less rain until the end of January. This includes regions like Bulawayo, Midlands, and Matabeleland. The southern and western parts of the country will be dry while the north and east will have more rain. People in the dry areas should expect sunny and hot weather. This can be bad for farming and water supply. Make sure to conserve water and be prepared for the dry spell.

Dry Spell Forecast For Southern, Western Zimbabwe Regions Until Monthend

Zimbabwean traditionalists, Amalinda, have urged citizens to observe cultural farming practices, especially during the current dry spell characterised by high daytime temperatures, <a href="https://cite.org.zw/refrain-from-farming-on-wednesdays-and-honour-cultural-customs/">reported CITE</a>.
Most parts of the country are experiencing very high temperatures resulting in the wilting of crops.
In many African cultures, traditional beliefs and customs play a significant role in agricultural activities. 
One such custom involves refraining from ploughing or working the fields on specific days of the week known as “Chisi” in Shona, such as Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, depending on the area. This practice is deeply rooted in spiritual and cultural traditions.
“Chisi” refers to a day of rest. This day is considered sacred, and it is believed that failing to observe it can result in misfortune for the community, such as withheld rains.
Recently, the traditionalists circulated a message on social media, encouraging people to avoid working on their farms on Wednesdays.
This call to observe cultural farming practices is intended to align agricultural activities with traditional beliefs, which are believed to bring harmony and balance to the farming process. They said:
<blockquote>
We are pleading with people to not go to the farms on Wednesday, look at the sky, it’s becoming dry. Amalinda is requesting that you avoid going to the fields on Wednesday.
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Amalinda also advised people to bury the bones of livestock that died due to the drought. They urged citizens to gather trees struck by lightning and refrain from burning them. They also recommended ceasing drum-beating activities. Said the traditionalists:
<blockquote>
Do not beat drums now, beating drums will start from March up until September. We are pleading with people, we know there are different challenges that make people beat drums but please don’t beat drums now.
We are pleading with people to follow the cultural ways so that everything goes well.
</blockquote>
Rainfall and traditional beliefs are intricately linked in many African cultures. Rain is often viewed as a blessing from the gods or ancestors, leading to various rituals and ceremonies performed to invoke rain for good harvests and prosperity.
Central to these traditions are rainmakers, individuals believed to have the power to control the weather and ensure sufficient rainfall.
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Traditionalists in Zimbabwe are asking people to follow cultural farming practices during hot weather. They say not to work on farms on certain days like Wednesday because it's a day of rest called "Chisi." It is believed that if people don't follow these customs, there may be bad luck like not enough rain. The traditionalists also want people to bury the bones of dead animals, avoid burning trees struck by lightning, and stop drum-beating activities for now. In African cultures, rain is seen as a blessing, and customs like these are important for good harvests.

Traditionalists Call For Observance Of "Chisi", As Heat Wave Persists

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has urged the public to be on high alert when the current dry spell ends and rainfall activity resumes, with forecasts indicating possible hailstorms and heavy winds.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/rains-to-return-in-a-week-met-dept/">ZBC News</a>, Meteorologist Baba Maketa advised farmers to make use of the dry spell for tasks such as weeding and other farming operations, as normal to above-normal rains are expected from this month through February next year.
Maketa said that although a dry spell is anticipated over the next seven days, farmers should continue their activities as the overall season remains favourable for agricultural operations. He said:
<blockquote>
Our season as per our advisory is still fine, nothing has changed. From December up to February next year, we still forecast normal to above rainfall, but as the rains come back it will likely be associated with thunderstorms and heavy downpours hence people should be on high alert.
</blockquote>
Last week, the MSD issued a warning about a dry and hot spell affecting most parts of Zimbabwe, lasting from November 30 to December 11, 2024.
These hot and dry conditions are being caused by a cool, moist south-easterly airflow, which is impacting the weather conditions across the country.
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The weather people say when the dry spell ends, there might be hailstorms and strong winds. Farmers should keep working during the dry spell because lots of rain is coming from December to February. Be careful when the rain comes back, it might be stormy. The weather will be hot and dry until December 11 because of a cool wind. Listen to the weather people and be safe!

Met Department Warns Of Hailstorms And Heavy Winds When Rainfall Returns

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has issued a warning about a dry and hot spell set to affect most parts of Zimbabwe starting tomorrow, Saturday, November 30.
In a weather advisory issued on Thursday, November 29, the MSD said the dry conditions are expected to last until December 11, 2024, leading to a reduction in rainfall across the country.
The Met Department said the relatively dry and hot conditions are a result of a cool, moist south-easterly airflow entering the region this Friday.
Despite the dry conditions, light rain and drizzle are expected in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces on Friday. The MSD said:
<blockquote>
Starting Friday, November 29, 2024, a cool moist southeasterly airflow should reduce the occurrence of thunderstorm activities.
However, light rain and drizzle should be experienced in Matabeleland South and Masvingo Provinces on Saturday, November 30.
From Sunday, December 1, until the end of the watch validity period, generally mostly sunny and hot conditions are expected across the country though very isolated cloudy and light showers can not be ruled out.
</blockquote>
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The weather department says it's going to be very dry and hot in Zimbabwe until December 11. This is because of a cool, moist wind coming in from the southeast. There might be a little bit of rain in some places, but not much. Thunderstorms will be less likely. The weather will be mostly sunny and hot, with a chance of a few light showers. So, get ready for dry and hot weather in Zimbabwe for the next few days!

Met Department Forecasts Dry Spell To Last Until December 11

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecasted that starting tomorrow, January 19, 2024, there will be a long period without rain until February 2. In a statement seen by the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/prolonged-dry-spell-from-tomorrow-until-early-february/">Chronicle</a>, MSD said:
<blockquote>
On Thursday, January 18 (today), there will be localised heavy rains and thunderstorms coupled with windy and mild conditions. From Friday (tomorrow), the atmosphere becomes less moist leading to mostly sunny and hot conditions from January 21.
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In recent days, there have been heavy rains and thunderstorms in some parts of the country. While the available moisture could be enough to sustain crops during the dry spell, farmers could take necessary measures to cope with the lack of rainfall. They could prioritise irrigation to provide water to their crops and explore water-saving techniques like mulching and proper soil management.
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