…as thousands of households suffer extensive damage The government has declared a State of Disaster in Masvingo after a hailstorm caused widespread damage to homes, public infrastructure, and businesses, underscoring local communities’ growing vulnerability to extreme weather events. President Emmerson Mnangagwa made the declaration under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], following…
Heavy downpours, high winds, and severe hailstorms swept across several parts of Zimbabwe after a passing cloud system originating from Botswana moved over the region, official weather reports show. According to data released by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), significant rainfall amounts were logged across the western and southern provinces. The highest rainfall was recorded…
Severe weather can develop quickly, leaving communities with little time to respond. But timely and accurate warnings can give people a critical window to protect lives, property and livelihoods. The severe hailstorm that struck parts of Masvingo on Monday night, damaging homes, vehicles and infrastructure and forcing some families to seek temporary shelter, is a…
When Zimbabweans hear that El Niño is coming, one of the first concerns is often drought. That concern is understandable. El Niño events have been associated with below-normal rainfall across parts of southern Africa, including Zimbabwe. But El Niño is not a drought. It is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that can influence weather patterns…
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…
The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife has warned of a severe drought threat driven by a persisting El Niño event that is expected to disrupt the upcoming farming season and compromise national food and water security. Officially presenting the 2026/27 Seasonal Rainfall Outlook, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, underscored the strategic…
Southern Africa will face widespread dry conditions and above-average temperatures during the 2026/27 rainy season, as a rapidly strengthening El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean suppresses regional rainfall, a latest regional climate outlook shows. The forecast was released by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), following the Thirty-Third Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum…
Staff Writer A new El Niño climate phase is projected to begin within weeks, with the drought signal expected to be most pronounced in Southern Africa as agriculture goes on high alert around the world. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has forecast a stronger-than-usual cycle, prompting advanced mapping from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of…
Staff Writer The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is poised for a period of normal to above-normal rainfall across most of its territory from February through June 2026, a new forecast shows. The official forecast, released by the Thirty-Second Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-32), indicates that while the central and inland areas…
Staff Writer The Meteorological Services Department has issued a nationwide advisory warning of increased daytime temperatures and potential moisture deficits across Zimbabwe. Effective today, through February 5, 2026, the alert indicates a high likelihood of dry and hot conditions as prevailing south-easterly winds displace the main rain-bearing Intertropical Convergence Zone further north. While the warning…
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