MSD WEATHER UPDATE: Mostly Cloudy With Afternoon Showers Along Main Watershed
The weather report and forecast issued by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection at 4 PM on Monday 30 January 2023 valid until Wednesday 01 February 2023:
PREAMBLE
Moisture from the north coupled with a weak cloud band from the western parts of the country resulted in isolated thundershowers across the country with notable rainfall amounts being recorded in Guruve (48mm), Plumtree (25mm), Gwanda (21mm) and Karoi (17mm). Meanwhile, pressure is rising over the southeast coast of South Africa.
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW TUESDAY 31 JANUARY 2023
In areas along and to the north of the Main Watershed, it should be mostly cloudy with afternoon showers that may be thundery in places.
Warm and windy conditions are expected for much of the day though mild in the morning.
Matabeleland South, southern parts of Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland Provinces are anticipated to be cloudy, cool and windy with morning drizzle becoming less cloudy and warm in the afternoon.
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 01 FEBRUARY 2023
Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected in areas along and to the north of the central watershed with a probability of isolated downpours in places.
Southern parts of the Central Watershed: Partly cloudy conditions with a chance of afternoon showers are probable in Matabeleland South and southern parts of Midlands while mostly sunny and hot weather should prevail in Masvingo and the bulk Manicaland Province.
