HARARE, July 13 (ZiGoats) – Zimbabweans are being urged to dress warmly and protect vulnerable family members after the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) forecast another spell of cold mornings, widespread frost in some areas and chilly nights across much of the country this week.
By Advent Shoko
The weather agency said temperatures dropped sharply on Sunday morning, with Matopos recording temperatures below 0°C, while West Nicholson and Hwange fell to 1°C, and Kezi reached 2°C, creating frost conditions in parts of Matabeleland.
Although sunny afternoons are expected in many areas, the cold is forecast to persist through Tuesday before gradually easing during the day.
“Ensure the young and elderly are kept warm especially in the morning and overnight,” the Meteorological Services Department said in its latest weather bulletin.
Frost returns to western Zimbabwe
The MSD said Monday will begin with cold conditions across much of the country.
Mashonaland East and Central, Harare Metropolitan, Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland South are expected to experience cold mornings with brief cloudy periods, particularly around Chiredzi, Beitbridge, Mwenezi, Chipinge and Mutasa. Conditions will become milder during the afternoon before turning cold again in the evening.
Meanwhile, Mashonaland West, Midlands, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo are forecast to enjoy mostly clear skies, but residents in Matopos, Lupane and Kezi should prepare for slight ground frost early in the morning.
“Implement frost prevention measures where necessary, with advice from your Agritex Officer,” the MSD advised farmers.
Another freezing start expected on Tuesday
The cold weather is expected to continue into Tuesday.
Harare, Masvingo, Manicaland and the Mashonaland provinces will experience another very cold morning under clear skies before warmer afternoon temperatures develop. Scattered clouds are expected later in the day.
Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Midlands will also remain cold during the morning and evening despite relatively mild daytime temperatures.
The MSD also urged poultry farmers to monitor temperatures inside fowl runs and adjust conditions where necessary to protect livestock from the cold.
Warm afternoons, icy mornings
Despite the freezing starts, most cities will enjoy pleasant daytime temperatures this week.
Forecast highs include:
- Harare: Around 24°C, with overnight lows near 9°C.
- Bulawayo: Up to 25°C, with morning temperatures close to 2°C.
- Mutare: Between 22°C and 24°C during the day.
- Masvingo: Around 25°C to 26°C.
- Lupane: One of the warmest daytime locations, reaching 30°C, despite chilly early mornings.
Popular holiday destinations are also expected to remain mostly sunny.
Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Kariba, Gonarezhou and Binga will experience warm afternoons with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C, while cooler mountain resorts such as Nyanga, Chimanimani and Vumba will continue to record much colder mornings.
Health officials urge extra care
Cold weather can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, particularly among infants, older people and those with underlying health conditions.
The MSD is encouraging Zimbabweans to wear warm clothing, limit exposure to the cold during the early morning and overnight hours, and ensure vulnerable family members remain adequately protected.
For farmers, the agency says frost prevention measures should be implemented where necessary to reduce damage to crops, while livestock and poultry should be sheltered from extreme overnight temperatures.
With winter firmly in control, Zimbabweans can expect bright sunshine during the day, but the freezing mornings and nights are far from over.
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