Zimbabwe is preparing for a period of heavy rainfall and potential flooding, with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) issuing a warning for significant downpours across the country. The warning, released over the weekend, anticipates rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres (mm) within 24 hours in various regions, prompting the government to take precautionary measures.
Local Government Minister, Daniel Garwe, confirmed the government’s awareness of the impending weather event. Speaking in Harare on Monday, he stated: “We received a communication from the Meteorological Services Department telling us that starting from today, for the next seven days, we are likely going to be receiving a lot of rains.
“There will likely be thunderstorms and there is going to be a lot of flooding in our streams and rivers. People are warned to be careful as they cross streams and small rivers. People must be careful not to be under trees when it is raining. They must be careful not to walk barefooted when it is raining and must be indoors because it is coming with some harshness.”
The MSD’s forecast indicates that the heavy rains, thunderstorms, and potential flash floods will affect most parts of Zimbabwe until at least Saturday. The advisory details that a significant influx of moisture from a cloud system, active since late December 2024, will continue into January 2025. Specific areas expected to experience scattered thundershowers from 5th to 8th January 2025 include Matabeleland North, northern Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, northern Manicaland, and all Mashonaland provinces.
Further weather changes are anticipated. The MSD notes that additional moisture arriving from the southeast coast of Southern Africa on Wednesday evening will bring cloudy, windy, and cold conditions to Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland Provinces. By Friday, 10th January, the intensity of rainfall is expected to increase, particularly in southern Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Harare Metropolitan Provinces, with the potential for rainfall exceeding 50mm in 24 hours.
Minister Garwe highlighted that Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls are among the areas most likely to experience severe thunderstorms. He emphasised the government’s preparedness: “Areas that are likely to experience the thunderstorms are Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. We are prepared for any mishap that might befall us and resources are available,” he said, adding that the anticipated rains are not expected to be as severe as those associated with Cyclone Chido, which thankfully did not affect Zimbabwe last month. “The CPU was fully prepared for Cyclone Chido but, fortunately for Zimbabwe, Chido did not visit us.”
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU), according to Minister Garwe, is fully prepared to respond to any emergencies arising from the heavy rains. The MSD’s warning, however, extends beyond simply heavy rainfall. The potential for violent storms presents significant risks, including falling trees, damage to buildings from strong winds (blown-off rooftops and collapsing billboards), and flash flooding, even in areas not directly experiencing the heaviest rainfall due to upstream conditions. The MSD urges citizens to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of intense weather activity. The government’s preparedness, coupled with the MSD’s detailed forecast, aims to mitigate potential damage and ensure the safety of the Zimbabwean population.
