The Meteorological Services Department is urging residents in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country to be cautious as isolated lightning strikes, showers, moderate winds, and cold weather are expected from today and tomorrow. Starting Wednesday until Friday, the weather is predicted to transition from hot to cool.
The affected regions include Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo metropolitan, Masvingo, Manicaland, and the southern districts of Midlands.
To ensure safety during lightning activity, individuals in the affected areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid seeking shelter under trees, poles, or pylons. It is recommended to find an earthed building, as they are less susceptible to lightning strikes due to the presence of an earth wire.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to crouch down as low as possible and maintain a safe distance from livestock. The Meteorological Services Department emphasizes that the advection of moist air into southwestern Zimbabwe will result in cloudy conditions and isolated showers in the western parts of the country. These clouds will subsequently move eastward and southward, intensifying with added moisture from the southeast.
As a result, heavier rains are anticipated over the Eastern Highlands on Wednesday evening, accompanied by cloudy, windy, and cool conditions in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland. The clouds are expected to clear by Friday, leading to a warmer weekend.
It is important to note that these rains do not mark the beginning of the planting season and should not be used as an indication to start planting. Extra care should be taken to keep the elderly, people with disabilities, young children, and the ill warm during the temperature changes from hot to cool on Wednesday. Consultation with healthcare professionals is advised, and the use of a brazier with proper room ventilation is recommended.
