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International weather forecasters have downgraded predictions for La Niña’s formation and intensity, suggesting that southern Africa may not receive as much rainfall as initially hoped.
Last summer’s El Niño caused severe drought and crop failures, resulting in widespread food aid requirements.
There were high hopes that La Niña would follow, bringing good rains, but forecasts have become increasingly pessimistic.
In its bi-weekly outlook, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a bleak report on Tuesday about La Niña forming in 2024, raising concerns about another poor season for summer grain crops in southern Africa. It said:
<blockquote>
… the chance of a La Niña event developing in the coming months has decreased compared to recent outlooks.
If a La Niña were to develop, it is likely to be relatively weak and short-lived, with all models forecasting neutral values by February.
</blockquote>
The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a natural climate pattern affecting global weather. ENSO is currently in its neutral phase.
The El Niño phase occurs when ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, leading to increased rainfall in some areas (like the western coast of South America) and droughts in others (like Southern Africa).
La Niña, the opposite phase, is characterised by cooler-than-normal ocean waters in the same region and often brings drier conditions to South America and wetter conditions to Southern Africa.
In the neutral phase, ocean temperatures and weather patterns are closer to average, with no significant warming or cooling.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology suggests that if La Niña forms, its impact may be limited and could dissipate by February.
Other global forecasters are also adjusting their expectations for La Niña. A US government forecaster recently indicated that the likelihood of La Niña forming has been reduced and, if it does occur, it is expected to last until March.
A weak La Niña or a summer in the neutral zone does not necessarily mean this region will experience another drought.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Weather experts have changed their minds about the rainy season in southern Africa. They thought a weather pattern called La Niña would bring lots of rain, but now they are not so sure. Last year, a different pattern called El Niño caused a terrible drought in the region. If La Niña doesn't bring enough rain, there could be another drought this year. La Niña is when the sea is cooler than usual, leading to dry conditions in southern Africa. But right now, the sea is normal and there is no guarantee of lots of rain. Experts are keeping an eye on the situation and will give updates later.

Downgraded La Niña Forecasts Spark Fears Of Another Drought In Southern Africa

The Chitungwiza Municipality has blamed the ongoing water crisis in the dormitory town on the El Niño-induced drought, which led to the early decommissioning of the Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant—four months earlier than in 2023.
The Harare City Council provides Chitungwiza with water from this plant, which was shut down in August after the Harava and Seke supply dams ran dry.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200033598/crisis-as-chitungwiza-runs-dry">NewsDay</a> over the weekend, Chitungwiza Municipality spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko said the water crisis required urgent intervention. Said Kachiko:
<blockquote>
We are witnessing the effects of the El Nino-induced drought. During this period last year, we were receiving an average of 14 megalitres per day and we could manage rationing the water.
The Prince Edward plant was decommissioned on December 5 last year, and we had just a month of dry spell because the situation went back to normal in January this year.
</blockquote>
Kachiko said the council has reached out to the government for assistance and plans to convene a multi-stakeholder meeting to discuss the water crisis and develop short-term solutions.
Marvelous Khumalo, the spokesperson for the Chitungwiza Residents Association, urged the government to expedite the construction of the Kunzvi Dam, which is anticipated to alleviate the water challenges faced by both Harare and Chitungwiza. Said Khumalo:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare water is also failing to meet its increasing demand for water thereby affording to offer Chitungwiza less than 10 megalitres per day against a daily demand of about 70 megalitres.
We hope the central government will prioritise finalisation of the Kunzvi dam project and other strategic dams so as to increase the raw water supply to the Harare metropolitan province whose population continues to expand rapidly.
Reliance on underground water is but just a stop-gap measure which is not sustainable.
</blockquote>
Chitungwiza Business Community Trust chairman Tendai Mareya urged the council to scrap charges for borehole drilling and reduce fixed water rates.
Last week, Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma disclosed that the council has been receiving only one to three megalitres of water from Morton Jaffray on weekends—far below the required 75 megalitres per day.
She urged residents to source water from trusted alternatives to minimise health risks.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The water crisis in Chitungwiza is getting worse because of a drought caused by El Niño. The Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant shut down early due to lack of water, making the situation even worse. Chitungwiza is not getting enough water from Harare, so the municipality is asking for help from the government. Residents are being urged to find other sources of water and the council is looking for solutions to the crisis. The construction of the Kunzvi Dam could help solve the water problem for both Harare and Chitungwiza.

"El Niño Drought Worsened Chitungwiza Water Crisis"

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he had discussions with Zambian leader Presiden Hakainde Hichilema on Monday morning to explore collaborative ways to deal with the effects of El Nino-induced drought, reported the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-engages-regional-peers-over-drought/">Chronicle</a>.
Hichilema has since declared Zambia’s drought a state of disaster and emergency, saying the country is likely to face a food crisis and electricity generation curtailments.
Speaking to journalists after officiating at the 56th United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference of Finance Ministers in Victoria Falls yesterday, Mnangagwa said he spoke with Hichilema and another regional leader over the drought issue. He said:
<blockquote>
Currently, there is this eminent El Nino drought, which is affecting Southern Africa. I am in constant contact with my colleagues in Southern Africa and we believe that it is necessary to introduce models of agriculture that mitigate against such events as this drought.
This morning, I was discussing with one or two regional Heads of State. I felt that we need to promote irrigation in our region so that whether there is drought or no drought, at least we have irrigation, and enough hectarage to give food security to our respective countries.
I was discussing with my dear brother HH (President Hakainde Hichilema) this morning and it’s not prudent to divulge that two Heads of State will be discussing an issue until certain things have happened, then you would know that we have been discussing.
</blockquote>
The southern African region is facing one of the worst droughts due to the El Nino weather pattern.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) predicted normal to below-normal rainfall for the 2023-2024 farming season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Engages Hichilema Over Drought

Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development Minister, Anxious Jongwe Masuka said that the prevailing El Nino spell will dissipate by May this year giving way to a neutral phase.
El Niño occurs on average every two to seven years and typically lasts nine to 12 months.
El Niño and La Niña are the extreme phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle; between these two phases is a third phase called ENSO-neutral.
In November 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said the current El Niño developed rapidly during July-August and reached moderate strength by September 2023 and was expected to peak as a strong event in November – January 2024.
Speaking on Wednesday at a media briefing soon after he met with the Bulawayo Technical Committee on Improving Water Supply at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo, Masuka said (<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/masuka-says-el-nino-season-to-subside-in-three-months/">via ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
Fortunately, the El Nino is rapidly waning and it is predicted that by April or May 2024, we will be in a neutral phase and we look forward to even a normal rainfall season next year.
So, the crisis will probably have been short-lived thus we requested the technical committee to look at that.
</blockquote>
Masuka also said the Technical Committee will explore ways in which to maximise the Nyamandlovu aquifer which is currently producing 12 million litres a day and exploit more aquifers around the province. He said:
<blockquote>
We asked the committee to refocus their efforts on ensuring that the Nyamandlovu aquifer can give us the maximum that it was designed for, currently, we are getting 12 Mega-litres from it but we expect that the minimum we should be getting is 16 megalitres.
This low water harvest in our aquifer is due to vandalism taking place but we are going to activate state security apparatus to ensure that this is nipped in the bud.
Apart from adding more aquifers, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has proposed a Private Sector Investment in one of the dams and this team will expedite the evaluation process so that the approvals can be granted formally for this complementary investment.
As the government, we are looking at a long-term supply guarantee solution which is the Gwayi-Shangani River that will see 220 megalitres a day going into the city and giving Bulawayo eight years of water supply.
</blockquote>
The Technical Committee was set up to assist the City of Bulawayo in ensuring that they have adequate and safe water.
In December 2023, the City of Bulawayo extended water rationing by an additional 48 hours, bringing the total rationing time to 120 hours.
Authorities said the decision was made due to a significant drop in water levels in the city’s dams.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Adverse El Nino Phase To Subside By April - Minister Masuka

The Government says the crop situation in the country is ranging from fair to dire, as the El Niño weather phenomenon destroys the hopes of millions of smallholder farmers.
This came out during a meeting of Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution held on Friday at a leisure resort about 60 kilometres out of Beitbridge in Matabeleland South Province.
The meeting was aimed at coming up with strategies on how the ministers can mitigate against the possible impacts of drought in their provinces.
Addressing the meeting, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka said (<a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-assures-nation-of-food-security-amid-dire-crop-situation">via The Sunday Mai</a>l):
<blockquote>
We meet for our monthly interactive meeting with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and the topical issue is the current El Niño-induced drought.
We get reports from across the country where the crop situation is indicated to be ranging from fair to dire.
This season has clearly lived up to the very harsh El Niño phenomenon that was forecasted.
We did say that the season will be delayed but it has also been indicated that the phenomenon will be short and sharp.
The current weather models are not indicating rain until the end of the month and our crops by that stage would have been severely stressed.
</blockquote>
Masuka said the Cabinet has directed that the Grain Marketing Board (GMB)’s Strategic Grain Reserve must be increased to 1.5 million tonnes to ensure food security. He said:
<blockquote>
As of yesterday (Thursday), GMB only had 200 000 tonnes of grain, but because of the changed structure, deliberation and marketing arrangements, GMB is no longer the monopoly purchaser of grains.
GMB now only purchases surpluses from Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme producers and also self-financed farmers.
AFC and CBZ (banks) no longer go to GMB but directly to contractors and the private sector.
We have a policy that 40 per cent of the annual raw material requirement must be procured through contracting farmers.
The private sector holds 526 000 tonnes that were marketed last year, while GMB has under 200 000 tonnes, a 39 per cent share of marketed crops.
</blockquote>
Masuka said his Ministry had discussions with Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi over the recent nationwide police blitz under the banner “No to land barons”.
He added that an inter-ministerial committee that has been constituted will meet this Monday to receive a report from the Commissioner-General of Police on the operation, after which an announcement will be made. Masuka is chairing the inter-ministerial committee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Summer Crop Situation Dire; No Rains Forecasted Until End Of February

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Mthuli Ncube has said ZWL$100 billion will be availed to deal with the consequences of the El Nino which the country is currently experiencing.
El Nino has negatively impacted the 2023/24 summer cropping season, threatening food security in the country.
<a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/treasury-to-avail-zwl100bn-to-deal-with-el-nino-impact/">Business Times</a> reported Ncube as saying the budget has allocated ZWL$100 billion for grains to enable people to cope with the effects of the looming food shortages. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
The country is also expected to benefit from the development partners’ assistance to the tune of US$48 million through the Lean Season Assistance and Building Resilient Sustainable Community Systems Programmes implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP).
</blockquote>
Ncube also said the the country anticipated that some organisations, such as Foreign Commonwealth and Development offices would assist vulnerable Zimbabweans. He said:
<blockquote>
Foreign Common Wealth and Development Office is expected to support the vulnerable with cash transfers including food insecure people with a projected disbursement of US$ 1m in 2024.
Furthermore, the People’s Republic of China will provide food assistance in the first half of 2024.
</blockquote>
On Friday, 12 January, Public Service Labour and Social Welfare Minister, July Moyo, said that the Government was working with the World Food Programme (WFP) to distribute food aid to 2.7 million people who are food insecure from January up to March 2024.
Moyo said the Government will cover 56 districts, while WFP will cover four districts: Buhera, Mangwe, Mwenezi and Chivi.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mthuli Says Treasury To Avail ZWL$100 Billion To Combat El Nino Impact

The Government has advised farmers to stop planting saying the 2023/24 summer cropping season will be “short and sharp”.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/expect-a-short-sharp-season-as-el-nino-subsides/">The Sunday News</a>, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri, however, said that the El Niño weather phenomenon is not as severe as had been anticipated. Said Jiri:
<blockquote>
We have witnessed that there has been an increase in rainfall from December 24, with the country experiencing normal and above-normal rainfall. If there was a severe El Niño, we would not be experiencing this.
This year’s El Niño phenomenon is based on a model that is not as severe as we had anticipated.
So, yes, there is El Niño, but it is not as severe. It seems it is weakening, but that does not mean we are out of the woods yet.
We expect that we are going to continue receiving rains, but they might end abruptly at the end of February into early March. We will have a short, sharp season.
Those who had prepared should also consider short-season varieties since we have a short season.
</blockquote>
Meteorological Services Department (MSD) head of forecast James Ngoma recently told The Sunday News that the second half of the season has a high probability of rains and cooler days. He said:
<blockquote>
Humidity over Zimbabwe tends to increase in December, January and March. Fortunately for Zimbabwe, this is coupled with cloudy and wet conditions.
These rains tend to cool the daytime conditions over the areas they fall on. Thus, the next few months have a high probability of rain and cooler days.
A few dry spells may also result in high daytime temperatures on odd days, but heatwaves are highly unlikely.
So, rainfall is still expected at different intervals in different areas during this period.
It should be noted, however, that the rains may be erratic, especially over natural regions 4 and 5 since we are in an El Niño season.
It is advisable to note that the public should rely more on three-day and ten-day forecasts issued by the MSD.
</blockquote>
Climate expert and University of Zimbabwe lecturer Walter Svinurai explained that El Niño is not climate change. He said:
<blockquote>
El Niño itself is not climate change as people are describing it. It is a natural phenomenon, but its impacts and occurrences are now worsened by climate change.
Although it is still early to consider this a good season, it is still a sparing drought year and a not full-blown drought per se.
The relationship between El Niño and rainfall over Zimbabwe is misunderstood by many and most people are of the view that El Niño implies drought.
</blockquote>
Climate researcher Shingirai Nangombe said that El Nino is not always associated with a drought. Said Nangombe:
<blockquote>
A closer analysis of the past 21 El Niño years of Zimbabwe rainfall was undertaken; it is quite interesting to note that out of the 21 El Niño years which occurred in the past 60 years, eight (38 per cent) had above-normal rainfall, while 13 (62 per cent) had below-normal rainfall.
These statistics clearly show that the eight episodes where above-normal rainfall was received during an El Niño episode explain that the El Niño episode and below-normal rainfall is not a one-on-one relationship.
Lastly, it is important to note that the worst meteorological drought was experienced during the 1991-92 summer rainfall season, which was not even an El Niño episode.
</blockquote>
The weakening of El Nino, as has been reported, is expected to bring relief to farmers because the weather phenomenon had threatened to cause a severe drought this season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Expect A Short, Sharp Season - Govt Tells Farmers

The Zimbabwe Seed Association (ZAS) has revealed that 11 seed companies in the country are facing a financial crisis due to a debt of over US$60 million incurred by the government. The debt, which is related to seed supplied for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 agricultural seasons, has left these companies struggling to secure financial support from banks and investors.
The 11 seed producers are Arda, Easi Seeds, Farmbiz Genetics, Intaba Trading, Klein Karoo Seed Marketing, Prime Seeds/Seed Co Vegetables, Quton, Reapers, Seed Co, Tocek and Zimbabwe Technology Solutions. They all indicated that they are heavily borrowed and are failing to timely service the bank loans, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/business/article/200021247/us60m-govt-debt-leaves-seed-producers-on-the-brink">NewsDay</a> reported citing a ZSA memorandum dated December 18, 2023. Read the memo in part:
<blockquote>
Some members have reported that they have defaulted on bank loans. Relationships with banks are now at their lowest level, seed companies cannot be trusted and hence are failing to access favourable credit facilities including the productive sector facility.
Those able to persuade banks for additional loan facilities are getting very high interest rates, which is very costly.
Companies have failed to access forex to timely import seed necessary to close supply gaps and this includes hybrid seed of sunflower and sorghums as well as parental seed which will help localised certified seed production.
In the past few days, we submitted a request of US$15 528 334,58 from six ZSA members and so far, got no response.
</blockquote>
The situation has been worsened by the imminent drought caused by the El Niño spell. The debt issue comes at a time when the government is also struggling to pay farmers in US dollars for wheat delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) after a successful winter cropping season.
According to a memo, the companies have been unable to import necessary seeds due to a lack of foreign currency, leading to supply gaps. The financial distress is unsustainable and could result in the closure of seed companies, jeopardising Zimbabwe’s national seed security.
The financial strain has also affected the growers, with many not receiving full payment for the seeds they delivered. Some growers are demanding payment in US dollars, similar to other sectors such as maize and wheat. ZAS has urged the government to expedite payments and consider paying part of the debt in foreign currency. They have also called for supportive financial programs and tax breaks to help the seed sector recover from the crisis.
Earlier this year, Zimbabwean seed producers highlighted that they were facing challenges such as high interest rates and limited access to funding. The current financial crisis further exacerbates these issues and threatens the stability of the seed sector in the country.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Seed Companies Facing A Financial Crisis Due To A Govt Debt Of Over US$60 Million

The city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, has extended water rationing by an additional 48 hours, bringing the total rationing time to 120 hours. Authorities say this decision was made due to a significant drop in water levels in the key reservoir, which currently stands at only 4% of the desired level.
The shortage of rainfall has been attributed to the El Niño weather pattern, a natural climate phenomenon that causes changes in ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions. This particular El Niño is predicted to be historically strong and among the most intense since 1950, according to the US Climate Prediction Center. It has been associated with extreme weather events around the world, including storms, droughts, and wildfires.
The water crisis in Bulawayo is not a new problem. The city has been grappling with water shortages for many years due to a combination of factors, including rapid population growth, ageing infrastructure, and limited water resources. The situation has been exacerbated by climate change and the unpredictability of rainfall patterns.
To address the long-term water shortage, the Gwayi-Shangani Dam was proposed in 1912 as part of the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (MZWP). However, due to a lack of political will and insufficient funding, the dam has yet to be completed. The project was recently awarded to the China International Water and Electric Corporation. 
Once finished, the Gwayi-Shangani Dam will be the third-largest inland water body in Zimbabwe, following Tokwe-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi. The dam is located in Region Four, which experiences low rainfall and high temperatures. The government has invested over US$122 million in the project. In 2012, the government took over the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (MZWP) from the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Trust, led by the late Dumiso Dabengwa. The government had promised to accelerate the project’s completion but had limited success.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Bulawayo City Has Extended Rationing Water To 120 Hours

Elephants and other wildlife are dying in Zimbabwe, as an extended dry season has reduced once abundant water holes, to muddy puddles, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has said.
The 2023/24 rainy seaseon commenced very late due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, and dozens of elephants have already died in Hwange National Park, the county’s largest protected area home to about 45 000 elephants.
At least 100 elephants are already reported dead due to lack of water.
Phillip Kuvawoga, the Landscape Programme Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said:
<blockquote>
Elephants and other wildlife species will face a crisis if the rains don’t come soon. In 2019, over 200 elephants died in Zimbabwe due to severe drought; this phenomenon is recurring.
</blockquote>
Despite having 104 solar-powered boreholes, park authorities say it isn’t enough and no match for extreme temperatures drying up existing waterholes, forcing wildlife to walk long distances searching for food and water.
Water-dependent mammals like elephants are among the most affected.
News of the tragedy comes during COP28, while global leaders gather to determine ambition and responsibilities and identify and assess climate measures at the global climate change conference in Dubai.
IFAW’s agenda at COP28 advocates for wildlife conservation as a nature-based solution to tackling climate change. Said Kuvawoga:
<blockquote>
Wild animals protect the carbon already stored in nature, prevent it from being released into the atmosphere, and help nature soak up and store even more carbon.
</blockquote>
The devastating impact of climate change on wildlife and humans calls for an integrated and holistic approach to support climate-resilient landscapes and communities. Added Kuvawoga:
<blockquote>
The anticipated deaths of elephants and other species, such as we are seeing in Zimbabwe right now, must be seen as a symptom of deep-seated and complex challenges affecting the region’s natural resources conservation, aggravated by climate change.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

100 Elephants Succumb To El Nino-induced Drought

Farmers across the country have been urged to plant short-season crop varieties this summer season following delays to the start of the rainy season.
In an interview with <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2023/11/28/farmers-advised-to-go-for-short-season-seed-varieties/">New Ziana</a>, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development chief agronomist Rutendo Nhongonhema said farmers should finish preparing their land while waiting for the onset of the rains. She said:
<blockquote>
My appeal to farmers at the moment is that those who can, should go for short-season varieties because the planting season has progressed with no rains.
</blockquote>
According to a preliminary weather forecast, Zimbabwe expects to receive normal to below-normal rainfall with parts of the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces getting below-normal rains for the beginning of the 2023/24 planting season.
The delay in the onset of the rains, attributed to El Nino, is threatening both humans and wild animals as water sources are drying up.
Last month, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said that the ongoing El Niño event is expected to last at least until April 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farmers Advised To Plant Short Season Seed Varieties

The recent surge in temperatures across Zimbabwe has sparked concerns among health experts regarding the potential risks to public health. With the absence of rain, the consequential depletion of pastures for livestock and the drying of dams, particularly in the southern region, the situation has become increasingly worrisome.
Medical professionals have issued warnings about the possibility of life-threatening illnesses, including heat stroke, due to the extreme temperatures being experienced in many parts of the country. They are urging the public to take precautionary measures, with staying hydrated being of utmost importance. However, it is advised to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks, and sugary beverages as they contribute to dehydration.
Bulawayo City Council health services director, Dr Edwin Sibanda-Mzingwane said the public should avoid direct exposure to sunlight as it may increase dehydration levels. He told <a href="https://herald.co.zw/be-wary-of-heatwave/">The Herald</a>:
<blockquote>
People should drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration, which may result in blood pressure-related illnesses. When you are dehydrated it means you will not have enough water in the body, leaving the body largely with salt causing blood pressure.
So, instead of trying to measure the number of litres you drank, just check the colour of your urine.
</blockquote>
Another medical health expert, Dr Misheck Ruwende, said the effects of the heat could be mild to severe.
<blockquote>
The implications can be as mild as just headaches and I’m sure a lot of people are having headaches due to this weather.
You can have heat rash, heat burn going up heat cramps. You can also experience life-threatening ones for example heat stroke and heat exhaustion. 
So, we encourage people to drink water as much as possible. They should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks because those types of drinks make us lose water. We have to be as hydrated as possible.
The public should avoid leaving children, the elderly, and pets in the cars because the car can quickly heat up even if the windows can be slightly opened. 
You might have heard of children who died after being left in the car. That is a big problem and it can easily happen and we must never leave the elderly and minors in cars.
The people who are at higher risk and the elderly, people suffering from asthma and heart diseases. Their symptoms can be exacerbated by the heat and they have to stay away from heat as much as they can.
</blockquote>
The rising temperatures and lack of rainfall have had a detrimental impact on farmers and the general public alike. The prolonged dry spell, which is a reflection of El Nino weather conditions, has instilled anxiety and fears of drought. Environmental experts attribute these adverse weather patterns to climate change induced by greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, until more rains are received, the situation is expected to remain unpredictable.
In terms of outdoor activities, it is advisable to plan them during the cooler parts of the day, particularly in the morning and evening when temperatures are lower. From a nutritional perspective, incorporating hydrating foods into one’s diet, such as watermelons, cucumbers, peaches, and lettuce, can also help combat dehydration.
Despite reports circulating of collapsing and deaths due to the heatwave, these claims have been dismissed as false. According to the Meteorological Service Department (MSD), the recent heatwave can be attributed to clear skies and reduced cloud formation. However, they anticipate transitional weather patterns with cooler winds and increased rainfall in the coming days, which should provide some relief from the intense heat.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Health Experts Warn Of Severe Health Complications As Temperatures Surge In Zimbabwe

Rural households in Zimbabwe are starting to experience the negative effects of El Niño which is expected to drive high needs across Southern Africa through early 2025. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that can bring increased heat and drought to some areas while causing heavy rains in others. Unfortunately, it appears that the weather has not been kind to people living in rural areas, making their lives very difficult.
Many farmers in Zimbabwe rely on the October rains to plant their crops, but the current situation is so severe that even those who work in the fields are not optimistic. This phenomenon, which is not new to Zimbabwe and the region, often leads to delayed and unpredictable rainfall, negatively affecting crops and livestock.
Rudo Mtetwa, a 32-year-old farmer from Chipinge, told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020159/el-nino-zim-communities-sink-deep-in-poverty">NewsDay</a> that it has become challenging to produce anything on their farms due to the effects of climate change. As a result, they are forced to seek work in nearby irrigation farms just to survive, earning only $2 per day. Mtetwa added:
<blockquote>
I am no longer able to send my children to school due to lack of funds and I feel that if I get a piece of land in the irrigation scheme, I will be able to take care of my family’s needs. I want to plant tomatoes and other crops but I can’t do that in my own field as a result of El Niño.
</blockquote>
Talent Mutamakira, who is also from the same area, is urging the government to provide support to women in remote areas to lessen the effects of El Niño. She is asking for financial assistance to start income-generating projects like poultry farming. Mutamakira is appealing to the government to allocate land to women specifically for irrigation schemes, allowing them to grow horticultural products and earn a livelihood.
According to the 2023 Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee’s assessments, a significant number of people in both urban and rural areas will face food insecurity in the coming years. On 8 November 2018, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS Net) predicted that strong El Nino will drive high needs across Southern Africa through early 2025. 
Zimbabwe is already grappling with the consequences of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns, floods, and prolonged droughts. The upcoming El Niño event in 2023-2024 is expected to worsen the situation, leading to aridity and impacting food and animal production. Southern parts of Zimbabwe will be particularly affected. In a post on X seen by Pindula News, Bulawayo Mayor David Colatart said the city will also be affected. He said:
<blockquote>
Below average rains are being forecasted for the southern part of Zimbabwe this year including Bulawayo. Our dams are already low so we must prepare for further water shortages. I appeal to all residents to do whatever they can to conserve water in the City. Please would owners of boreholes also be conservative in water usage. The water table is dropping and we must be responsible. Try not to water during the heat of the day – rather water in the early evening or at night so that evaporation is reduced.
</blockquote>
These challenges pose a risk to the progress made in reducing malnutrition, especially among children. Zimbabwe has experienced droughts in the past, leading to food deficits and stagnation in rural livelihoods. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the situation. The government aims to mitigate the impact of El Niño through irrigation development and dam construction. The World Food Programme and other organizations are working to strengthen climate-smart agricultural practices and access to water. However, there are concerns about resource misdirection and politicization of food during the El Niño period.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe Starting To Experience Negative Effects Of El Niño

The ongoing El Niño event is expected to last at least until April 2024, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said in a new update.
The WMO said the weather event is expected to influence weather patterns and contribute to a further rise in temperatures both on land and in the ocean. <a href="https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/el-ni%C3%B1o-expected-last-least-until-april-2024">WMO said in a statement</a>:
<blockquote>
As of mid-October 2023, sea surface temperatures and other atmospheric and oceanic indicators in the central-eastern tropical Pacific are consistent with El Niño, the warm phase of El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
The El Niño developed rapidly during July-August and reached moderate strength by September 2023 and is likely to peak as a strong event in November – January 2024.
There is a 90% likelihood it will persist throughout the upcoming northern hemisphere winter/southern hemisphere summer.
</blockquote>
El Niño occurs on average every two to seven years and typically lasts nine to 12 months and is a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with the warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
The WMO report further states that most recent forecasts and expert assessments suggest a high likelihood of continued warming in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific for at least the next four overlapping 3-month seasons: November-January, December-February, January-March, and February-April 2024.
WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas noted that human activities contribute to rising temperatures associated with El Niño. He said:
<blockquote>
El Niño impacts on global temperature typically play out in the year after its development, in this case in 2024.
But as a result of record-high land and sea-surface temperatures since June, the year 2023 is now on track to be the warmest year on record.
Next year may be even warmer. This is clearly and unequivocally due to the contribution of the increasing concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases from human activities.
Extreme events such as heatwaves, drought, wildfires, heavy rain and floods will be enhanced in some regions, with major impacts.
That is why WMO is committed to the Early Warnings For All initiative to save lives and minimize economic losses.
</blockquote>
Predictions for rainfall in the forthcoming three months are similar to many of the typical impacts of El Niño.
Below-normal rainfall is predicted in most of northern South America, over much of Australia, and southern Africa.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

El Niño Expected To Last At Least Until April 2024

Zimbabweans have been warned to prepare for crippling power cuts in the coming few months as the El Nino weather phenomenon is expected to negatively impact rainfall patterns resulting in reduced water inflows at Lake Kariba, the site of the country’s most reliable power plant.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Gloria Magombo, told the Economic Policy Dialogue breakfast Indaba held by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) recently that the business sector will bear the brunt of the load shedding. She said:
<blockquote>
We will have a feel of these challenges [deepening power crisis] and I want to just also forewarn you given that we are expecting an El Nino, which will have an effect on Kariba water levels.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/brace-for-crippling-power-cuts-2/">Business Times</a> reported that Zimbabwe’s rivers contribute about 20% of the inflows into Lake Kariba.
Munyati River feeds the Sanyati River, which then supplies water to the lake. The other source is the Gwayi River.
However,  the rivers are hardly flowing due to a poor 2022/23 rainy season across Zimbabwe.
Magombo said the country is not expecting Gwayi and Sanyati to significantly contribute to inflows in the Kariba Dam due to El Nino. She said:
<blockquote>
With the El Nino phenomenon predicted, we are not expecting much from these two rivers (Gwayi and Sanyati) hence more power curtailment in the country is expected.
We are hoping and praying that inflows from Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo into the lake will come in March or May when Barotse plains (or wetlands) will start releasing water into Kariba.
But from now we will certainly experience these power curtailments.
</blockquote>
On 20 October 2023, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) was generating 444MW from Kariba and 979MW from Hwange. Independennt Power Producers (IPPs) were generating 39MW.
That means if, or when Kariba Power Station completely shuts down due to low water levels in the dam, the country will depend solely on Hwange, IPPs and imports.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Warns Zimbabweans To Brace For Painful Load Shedding

Experts predict that Zimbabwe is likely to experience normal to below-normal rainfall in the upcoming cropping season due to the El Niño phenomenon affecting Southern Africa. Farmers are advised to take early planting measures, opt for short-season maize varieties, and cultivate drought-resistant and early-maturing crops.
The El Niño phenomenon often brings delayed and erratic rains, negatively impacting crops and livestock. El Niño is a weather phenomenon characterised by the warming of the Pacific Ocean’s surface waters. It disrupts normal weather patterns, causing changes in rainfall, temperature, and ocean currents worldwide. It can lead to droughts, floods, and impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and human lives.
<h3>What farmers should do:</h3>
According to Mr. Paul Zakariya, the executive director of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), it is important for farmers to have access to information about the El Niño phenomenon to plan effectively. He stated that Zimbabwe has experienced El Niño-induced droughts in the past, and it is crucial to learn from those experiences. The <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/el-nino-threat-what-zim-farmers-should-do">Sunday Mail</a> quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
What we used in the past is what we should use, but if that did not work, we should try new things. In practice, we need to have weather information ready for the farmers, and that information should be area-specific so that farmers know exactly what time to plant in their area, what type of seeds they should plant in their area and the levels of rainfall.
Beyond that, we need to ensure, since it is not the first time, that we have started to prepare ourselves for mitigation, such as the utilisation of water bodies that we have to irrigate our crops and during long dry spells to supplement with irrigation.
</blockquote>
He also said farmers should be informed about the availability of short-season crop varieties to adapt their farming practices. It is important to invest in irrigation infrastructure and encourage smallholder farmers to purchase portable irrigation equipment. This enables year-round production, ensuring food security and sustainability in agriculture.
According to agriculture expert Dr. Renneth Mano, when Zimbabwe has an 80 percent chance of experiencing El Niño-induced drought and crop failure, farmers should consider planting different crops than their usual choices. He also said:
<blockquote>
– Farmers must avoid planting the same mix of grains and oilseeds in drought-prone seasons. 
– Local varieties of sorghum and millet are more drought-tolerant than hybrid maize. 
– Sunflower seeds and groundnuts are more resilient to drought than soybeans. 
– Farmers should consider the risk of drought-induced crop failure when projecting profits per dollar spent on crops. 
– Adding weather-indexed crop insurance to input loan agreements is recommended for dryland commercial farmers. 
– Agricultural extension officers and banks can assist farmers in selecting suitable weather-indexed insurance policies. 
– Climate-smart agriculture involves choosing the right crop mix for drought years and understanding which risks to bear and which to outsource to insurance companies.
</blockquote>
According to Mr. Walter Rusike, a communal farmer in Mashonaland East province, many farmers in his area have been advised to adopt government-sponsored climate-proof agricultural practices like <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pfumvudza/Intwasa_Farming_Concept/">Pfumvudza/Intwasa</a>. Additionally, some farmers are considering dry planting, which involves sowing seeds and waiting for rainfall.
Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of droughts, posing a threat to food security. To address this, Zimbabwe initiated a seven-year project worth US$47 million in 2020. With support from the Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Development Programme, the project aims to enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe Expects Nor­mal To Below-normal Rainfall: What Farmers Should Do

Zimbabwe is likely to receive less than average rainfall leading to a drought in the 2023/24 cropping season due to the El Niño climate phenomenon.
El Niño refers to a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
El Niño can make extreme weather events more likely in certain regions, including extreme heat, droughts, storms and flooding.
A drought will most likely slow down Zimbabwe’s economic growth projections, trigger higher food prices and stoke inflation.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in July this year declared the start of El Niño.
WMO estimated there is a 90 percent probability of the El Niño event persisting through the second half of the year and it is expected to be “at least moderate strength”.
According to the UN weather agency, El Niño occurs on average every two to seven years in episodes lasting nine to 12 months.
Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Madagascar are listed among countries in Southern Africa as highly exposed nations to El Niño.
According to ACAPS, a non-profit, non-governmental project that provides international, independent humanitarian analysis:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe is a country that requires close monitoring and where the effects of El Niño may lead to negative outcomes or generate humanitarian needs.
Forecast models anticipate the possibility of below-average rainfall towards the end of 2023, particularly in the central and southern regions.
Such forecasts would affect the region’s planting seasons, increasing the possibility of hardened drought conditions and affecting the country’s crop production, livestock and food security.
This forecast would pattern with previous El Niño events in Zimbabwe. In 2015–2016, an El Niño-driven drought affected most of Zimbabwe.
Below-average rainfall during the usual growing season led to crop failure, increased food prices, and heightened levels of food insecurity throughout the country.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, La Niña refers to the periodic cooling of sea-surface temperatures across the east-central equatorial Pacific and the weather phenomenon is associated with wetter summers in Zimbabwe. 
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Faces Drought As El Niño Returns

USA Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Brian Nichols has said that Agriculture policies being implemented in the country will not yield the intended goal of alleviating hunger if there is no transparency and accountability. He said:
<blockquote>The agricultural policies being implemented by the Zimbabwean government are not allowing this nation to reach its full potential. In the 1990s, there was a deep drought in the region and all Southern African nations were fed by Zimbabwe but for now moving into 2018, this country requires food aid to feed half of its rural population.
You have seen stories about $3 billion which cannot be accounted for. In previous Command Agricultural programmes, there have been numerous allegations exposed by the Public Accounts Committee, spikes in exchange rates, all these things are related. So there is need for transparency market led agricultural policies.</blockquote>
His remarks come at a time when the country is facing possible severe starvation due to a huge grain deficit.
The government attributes famine to El Nino induced drought and tropical Cyclone Idai which destroyed crops which were weeks away from maturity.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/us-envoy-command-agric-no-answer-to-hunger/">New Zimbabwe</a>

"Zimbabwe's Agriculture Policies Will Not Work," USA Ambassador

The Deputy Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, Vangelis Haritatos said that the government is working on measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Some of these measures include irrigation farming and the growing of drought-tolerant crops. He said:
<blockquote>We are working on measures to adapt to the potential effects of El Nino.
Climate change is real and its effects need strategic planning so that in future its effects on agriculture are minimally felt. 
Irrigation has become the answer to crop production as rain-fed agriculture is no longer sustainable.
We have been providing farmers with drought-tolerant crops such as small grains, short and medium season varieties of maize, and our scientists have also been breeding heat-tolerant crops.
We are also working on irrigation rehabilitation, development and expansion with the assistance of partners.
We want to ensure that we develop 200 hectares of irrigation per every district although this intervention has been affected by a shortage of funds.
The government cannot go it alone, so we have engaged willing partners who are helping us with the requisite financial resources.</blockquote>
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<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/zim-maize-stocks-to-last-more-than-7-months/">Sunday News</a></h4>

Govt Working On Measures To Mitigate El Nino Effects - Haritatos

Presenting the 2018-19 rainfall season update, Meteorological Services Department (MSD)  forecaster, Mrs Lucy Motsi said there is a 40 percent probability of the country receiving normal rainfall between January and March next year.
She also said there is also a 35 percent probability of Zimbabwe receiving below normal rainfall and a 25 percent chance of above normal rainfall within the three months period. Motsi said  the normal to below normal rainfall pattern would vary from place to place. Said Motsi:
<blockquote>During the next three months — January to March 2019 (JFM) — for the whole country there is a 40 percent probability of rainfall amounts being in the normal category, a 35 percent probability of being below normal and a 25 percent chance of it being in the above normal category. Overall, normal to below normal accumulated rainfall totals are expected across the country.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/met-office-issues-jan-mar-rains-update/">Herald</a>

40% Probability Of Normal Rainfall Between January And March- Met Offices

Meteorological Services Department (MSD) senior forecaster Mrs Linia Mashawi yesterday said heavier rainfall is expected over the weekend starting with the southern provinces.
Mashawi said there has been no rainfall because of dry air in the middle levels of the atmosphere. Said Mashawi:
<blockquote>There is no meaningful rains received anywhere across the country to date for people to start planting because of dry air in the middle levels of the atmosphere, which is sitting over Zimbabwe, reducing the chances of rain-bearing clouds countrywide. During this time of the year, cloud bands which normally traverse the country from Botswana have been very weak or none at all. However, there are atmospheric physical systems or processes that support moisture which are expected to affect the country.</blockquote>
She said by Thursday evening, much of the country should be cloudy, humid and hot. She said heavier rainfall is expected on Friday into weekend starting with parts of Matabeleland South, southern districts of the Midlands, Masvingo and southern districts of Manicaland provinces moving northwards during the weekend.
<hr/>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/08/28/normal-to-below-normal-rainfall-expected-for-2018-19-season-met-department/" rel="bookmark">Normal To Below Normal Rainfall Expected For 2018/19 Season: Met Department</a></h3>
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<hr/>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/rains-expected-this-week-msd/">Herald</a>

Heavier Rainfall Expected From Friday- Met Department

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned that the coming season is likely to have normal to below normal rainfall. The MSD said that this was due to the El Niño effect.  The El Nino phenomenon is expected to affect 70 percent of the country. The  Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, Ambassador Grace Mutandiro said,
<blockquote>However, it is not always the case that El Nino will result in a drought. Experts will deliberate on the outcome and Government and other key stakeholders will be directed accordingly.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/breaking-news-el-nino-threat-looms/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Herald</a>

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