Zimbabwe Weather Report & Forecast: 16 To 18 January 2023
The weather report and forecast issued by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection at 4 PM on Monday 16 January 2023 valid until Wednesday 18 January 2023:
PREAMBLE
The unstable atmospheric conditions across the country resulted in scattered thunderstorms with heavy falls in places due to slight convergence from moist winds from the north coupled with cooler ones from the southeast.
The highest rainfall figures measured this morning were at Chisengu (73mm), Dotito (72mm), Nyanga (42mm), Chipinge (39mm), Mutare (21mm), Mvurwi (17mm), Zaka (11mm) and Chinhoyi (10mm).
Other parts of the country were under partly cloudy conditions and warm. The moisture content in the atmosphere is still high, as such:
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2023
Masvingo, southern parts of Midlands, Manicaland, Harare Metropolitan, and all Mashonaland provinces expect mostly cloudy and humid conditions with widespread rain showers that may be thundery. Localized heavy rains remain probable over high grounds.
The provinces of Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan and northern areas of the Midlands, and should be cool at first, becoming warmer by afternoon with sunny breaks, and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.
IMPACTS
- Flooded rivers remain a potential hazard; even if it has not rained heavily in the area, heavy rains may have occurred upstream.
- Heavy downpours may give rise to flash flooding leading to treacherous road conditions.
- Lightning is a major threat during this part of the year, being inherent in thundershowers.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
Avoid crossing rivers or streams of unknown depth; even if it has not rained heavily in the area, it might have done so upstream. 30cm depth of fast-flowing water can sweep away large vehicles.
Heavy rains may reduce visibility; if driving, please find somewhere safe to park till the rains subside.
Avoid contact with water or metal objects including farming equipment when lightning is visible, even from a distance. Umbrellas are not safe during storms, raincoats are better, best is to be indoors.
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY 2023
Matabeleland North, northern parts of Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, all Mashonaland Provinces, and Manicaland Provinces should expect cloudy conditions with scattered thunderstorms. It should be mild at first becoming warm by afternoon with predominantly north-easterly airflow.
(Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South, south areas of Midlands and Masvingo Provinces). These areas are anticipated to be mild in the morning becoming warn by noon with brief cloudy periods and isolated afternoon thundershowers.
