More Storms On The Way, Communities Should Stay Alert…

By Advent Shoko

The latest weather report and forecast by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe notes that wet spell tightened its grip on Monday 19 January 2026, with intense thunderstorms dumping heavy rain across several provinces, prompting renewed warnings over flooding and lightning danger.

A satellite-based update from the MSD shows that Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South, the Midlands, Mashonaland West and Manicaland were all hit by scattered thunderstorms.

Rainfall totals tell a serious story. Bulawayo Goetz Observatory recorded 46mm, Kwekwe 45mm, Gokwe 41mm, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport 24mm, and Kadoma 22mm. Most other areas still received notable showers, though below 20mm, enough to keep soils saturated and rivers on edge.

Despite cloudy and mild conditions dominating much of the day, warming temperatures and brief cloud breaks later triggered fresh thunderstorms over the southern half of the country, underlining how unstable the atmosphere remains.

• ZRP Urges Parents And Schools To Prioritise Learner Safety As Schools Reopen
• Heavy Rainfall Alert: Scattered Thunderstorms and Flood Risk Across Zimbabwe This Weekend – Met Department
• Heavy Rains, Strong Winds and Lightning to Batter Zimbabwe – MSD Issues Nationwide Warning

Tuesday: More Storms on the Way

Looking ahead to Tuesday 20 January, MSD forecasts mostly cloudy and mild conditions in the morning, becoming warmer in the afternoon. Afternoon showers are likely, with some storms turning thundery and intense.

Of particular concern is the risk of localised heavy rainfall in Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and Manicaland, areas already soaked by recent downpours.

Wednesday: No Real Relief

The outlook for Wednesday 21 January offers little comfort. MSD expects partly cloudy and mild mornings, followed by mostly cloudy, warm afternoons with scattered thunderstorms and possible localised heavy rainfall once again.

Public Urged to Stay Alert

Authorities are urging the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers, a recurring cause of loss of life during the rainy season. Even familiar crossings can become deadly after sudden upstream rainfall.

With lightning activity elevated, citizens are advised to seek shelter in safe buildings or hard-topped vehicles during storms, and avoid open areas when thunder roars.

The message from forecasters is clear: this is an active, dangerous phase of the rainy season. With storms intensifying and rainfall piling up, caution, timing and respect for weather warnings remain critical over the coming days.