Zimbabwe is set for another freezing winter weekend, with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warning of very cold temperatures, ground frost and strengthening winds across several parts of the country from Saturday into Sunday.
By Advent Shoko
In a weather update released Friday evening, the Meteorological Services Department said cold conditions had already begun intensifying in many provinces, with some areas recording temperatures close to freezing overnight.
The weather agency urged Zimbabweans to dress warmly and take precautions to protect children, elderly people and those with health conditions as winter conditions continue tightening their grip across the country.
Frost Hits Several Areas As Temperatures Plunge
According to the MSD, cold, calm and clear skies on Friday morning triggered slight ground frost in several districts.
Matopos recorded one of the coldest temperatures at 0°C, while Nyanga and Chivhu dropped to 1°C. Other areas affected by freezing morning conditions included Chibero, Mhondoro, Gweru, Makoholi, Henderson and Marondera, all recording temperatures around 2°C.
Although conditions became milder during the afternoon, weather experts said cold southerly winds moving from the southern coast of Africa are gradually strengthening and are expected to worsen conditions over the weekend.
Very Cold Saturday Expected Across Zimbabwe
The MSD said Saturday morning will begin with very cold temperatures and mostly clear skies across much of the country.
In Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces, slight ground frost is expected in areas such as Matopos, Makoholi, Masvingo, Mukandi and Nyanga before temperatures rise slightly later in the day.
However, the weather department warned that windy conditions are expected to develop toward Saturday evening, particularly in districts including Chiredzi, Beitbridge, Mwenezi and Chipinge.
In Midlands Province, Bulawayo, Harare Metropolitan, Matabeleland North and all Mashonaland provinces, cold morning conditions are expected to continue with frost likely in Chivhu, Chibero, Gweru, Henderson, Lupane, Mhondoro and Marondera.
The MSD said conditions may become mild by midday before temperatures fall sharply again later in the evening.
Windy Sunday Forecast Raises Safety Concerns
The weather office also projected a windy and cool Sunday, especially across southern districts.
Areas such as Chiredzi, Beitbridge, Mwenezi and Chipinge are expected to experience windy conditions accompanied by brief cloudy periods.
Meanwhile, most central and northern parts of the country are forecast to remain cold in the morning before turning sunny and mild during the afternoon, followed again by cold evening temperatures and light breezes.
MSD Urges Zimbabweans To Keep Warm
The Meteorological Services Department urged the public to prioritise safety during the cold spell.
“Dress warmly and keep warm, especially in the early morning hours and overnight,” the department advised.
Authorities specifically warned families to ensure young children, elderly people and individuals with illnesses are protected from exposure to cold weather.
The MSD also warned Zimbabweans using braziers, firewood or indoor heating methods to ensure proper ventilation to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and accidental fires.
“Do not leave any fire unattended, whether indoor or outdoor. Ensure adult supervision in all cases,” the weather agency said.
Farmers Advised To Protect Crops And Poultry
Agricultural experts are also urging farmers to implement frost prevention measures where necessary, particularly in frost-prone areas.
The MSD encouraged farmers to consult Agritex officers, also known as Agriculture Business Advisory Officers (ABAO), for guidance on protecting crops, livestock and poultry during the cold conditions.
Poultry farmers have also been advised to closely monitor temperatures inside fowl runs to avoid losses caused by freezing overnight conditions.
Winter Conditions Tighten Across Southern Africa
Zimbabwe’s cold spell forms part of a broader winter weather system currently affecting several countries in Southern Africa.
Meteorologists say strong southerly airflow from the southern coastline is driving the colder temperatures being experienced across the region.
As winter deepens, experts expect more cold mornings, frost-prone conditions and periodic windy weather over the coming weeks.
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