A Wet Week Into Valentines: Zimbabwe Weather Report & Forecast: 8-10 Feb 2023
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe has forecasted a wet Valentine’s week, especially over the eastern and southern parts of Zimbabwe.
In a weather report and forecast seen by Pindula News, the Met Department said there were scattered thunderstorms in some parts of the country this week. Reads the weather update:
ZIMBABWE EVENING WEATHER REPORT AND FORECAST ISSUED AT 1600 HRS WEDNESDAY 08 FEBRUARY 2023 VALID UNTIL FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2023.
PREAMBLE
Scattered thunderstorms occurred in Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces into Mashonaland Central. The only rainfall amounts that exceeded 12mm were recorded at Chisengu (30mm) and Nyanga (25mm). This was due to moist easterly airflow from the Mozambique channel. Meanwhile, another cloud band is approaching the country from Botswana through both Matabeleland Provinces. This resulted in scattered clouds and isolated light showers in areas such as Binga, Lupane, Tsholotsho, Plumtree, West Nicholson, as well as Gokwe.
FORECAST FOR TOMORROW THURSDAY 09 FEBRUARY 2023
Starting off mostly sunny and mild, it should rapidly become warm and cloudy in most areas, namely Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands, Harare Metropolitan northern parts of Manicaland, and all Mashonaland with scattered afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rains in places. In areas to the southeast (southern parts of Masvingo, southern parts of Manicaland) anticipate brief cloudy periods with chances of afternoon thundershowers. Mild at first becoming warm by afternoon.
IMPACTS
• Lightning is a major threat during this time of the year, being inherent in thundershowers.
• 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.
• Humid and seemingly hot conditions reduce comfort levels, especially for vulnerable members of society.
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 FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2023
Expect rainfall and cloudy conditions countrywide, with the southern parts of Matabeleland, Masvingo and Manicaland Provinces receiving the most significant amounts. It should be mild at first becoming warm by afternoon.
