Staff Writer
The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe says a cool, moist air mass will bring widespread rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightning across all provinces from Tuesday to Thursday.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said atmospheric conditions across Zimbabwe are set to shift sharply as cool, moist south-easterly winds interact with a mid-level weather system, triggering widespread rain, lightning, thunder, and destructive wind gusts.
The MSD reports that the weather system will first arrive in parts of Masvingo Province on Tuesday morning before expanding to cover all remaining provinces later in the day.
By Wednesday, September 30, the MSD said cool and overcast weather will solidify nationwide. It added that heavy, localised downpours exceeding 30 millimetres will concentrate primarily in Masvingo, Matabeleland South, and southern Manicaland, though scattered thunderstorms will continue to threaten the rest of the country through Thursday.
While the MSD has designated the overall impact level as minimal, the likelihood of these hazards occurring is rated as high.
Communities across all provinces face immediate risks from lightning strikes and sudden flash flooding, particularly in urban centres, river basins, and low-lying terrain.
High winds associated with the storm front present further threats of uprooting trees, damaging light structures, tearing sails, and battering agricultural crops.
The unexpected rainfall poses direct challenges to the agricultural sector. Rain falling during the crucial grain filling and maturity stages threatens to reduce grain quality, while increased atmospheric moisture creates optimal conditions for crop fungal disease outbreaks.
Livestock producers are also facing elevated risks of waterborne disease outbreaks among their herds.
In response, disaster management authorities are advising members of the public to take immediate protective action.
The MSD said residents should repair damaged rooftops, secure loose outdoor items, trim overhanging tree branches, and remain indoors in a sturdy shelter whenever lightning flashes.
The department warned people to avoid standing near tall isolated structures, utility poles, or large trees during storms, and postpone open-water sailing or boating activities.
Farmers are urged to provide sheltered housing, clean bedding, and safe drinking water for livestock, while monitoring maturing crops for signs of moisture damage or fungal growth.
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