Zimbabwe is set for a marked change in weather from Tuesday, with rain and drizzle expected in the south and east of the country while thunderstorms develop across northern and central areas, according to the Meteorological Services Department.
The shift follows hot and humid conditions in parts of the country on Sunday, when scattered cloud moved from Botswana into Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South. The MSD said isolated thundershowers were recorded around Bulilima and Mangwe districts towards evening, while most other provinces remained sunny and hot before becoming mild later in the day.
The weather is expected to become more unsettled on Monday, with isolated thundershowers forecast in Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South and Masvingo. The department describes conditions in these areas as “briefly cloudy, humid and hot by day, with isolated thundershower”, followed by mild conditions in the morning and towards evening.
The more significant change is expected on Tuesday, when the rain-bearing system moves into wider parts of the country.
The MSD forecasts “windy and mild for much of the day, with rain and drizzle in places” across Matabeleland South, southern areas of the Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.
Residents in those areas have been advised to “keep warm and plan your day with rain-showers in mind”, with the department recommending that people carry raincoats where possible.
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Further north, the weather will be more unstable but less uniformly wet. Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Harare Metropolitan, northern districts of the Midlands and all Mashonaland provinces are expected to have “brief cloudy periods and isolated thundershower”, with conditions becoming windy and mild towards evening.
The contrasting Tuesday forecast means the first significant rain and drizzle will be concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the country, while Harare and much of the northern half can expect isolated thunderstorms rather than widespread rainfall.
The MSD's forecast comes as the country transitions away from the hot, dry conditions that have dominated the end of September. The department's Sunday update recorded humid and hot conditions in the west after cloud moved in from Botswana, while isolated thunderstorms had already developed in parts of Matabeleland South.
The developing storms are also prompting safety warnings. The MSD says “when thunder roars it is best to be indoors”, advising people to seek shelter inside an earthed building rather than under trees or near tall objects.
The department has also warned people to stay away from water bodies during thunderstorms and avoid riding in open trucks or tractors, while livestock should be moved to safe areas away from rivers and dams.
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