Zimbabwe is coming from a soaking, with northern and eastern districts recording heavy rainfall over the weekend and Monday, as moisture from the north met a cloud band drifting eastwards from Botswana. Some areas saw rainfall totals of up to 100mm in just 24 hours, marking a classic late-summer wet spell for the country.
According to the latest Weather report and forecast released by Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department (MSD) under the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the heaviest rains fell in:
- Bindura: 100mm
- Kanyemba: 60mm
- Henderson: 34mm
- Mutoko: 26mm
- Chisumbanje: 25mm
- Chinhoyi: 22mm
- Gokwe: 21mm
Other areas recorded less than 20mm over the same period.
The MSD warns that scattered thundershowers will continue midweek, with warm afternoons and mild mornings expected across most regions. Residents are urged to stay alert for lightning and flash flooding, particularly in northern districts, and to take precautions such as seeking shelter indoors and staying hydrated.
Current Conditions: Cloudy, Warm, With Lightning Risk
On Monday, most parts of the country were mostly cloudy and warm, with mild and windy conditions in the morning. Isolated thundershowers developed in the afternoon and towards evening.
MSD advised:
“Seek shelter in a safe building to avoid lightning strikes. Stay hydrated as temperatures remain high despite cloud cover.”
Urban residents should also be alert for temporary road flooding and reduced visibility during storms.
Zimbabwe Weather Forecast: Tuesday 17 – Saturday 20 February 2026
Tuesday 17 February 2026
Northern Zimbabwe: Briefly cloudy and mild in the morning, mostly cloudy and warm in the afternoon with scattered thundershowers.
Southern Zimbabwe: Partly cloudy and warm, mild and windy in the morning and evening, with a slight chance of isolated thundershowers.
Wednesday 18 February 2026
Nationwide: Briefly cloudy and mild in the morning, becoming partly cloudy and warm.
Scattered thundershowers likely in:
- Matabeleland North
- Midlands
- Harare Metropolitan
- Mashonaland West
- Mashonaland Central
- Mashonaland East
Main Towns Forecast (17–20 February 2026)
| Town | Temperature (°C) | Weather Summary | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bindura | 24–25 / 15–18 | Light to heavy showers increasing towards Saturday | 0.8–26.4 |
| Bulawayo | 21–30 / 12–18 | Warm, mostly sunny; isolated midweek rain | 0.0–3.2 |
| Chinhoyi | 23–26 / 14–18 | Persistent rainfall; heavy Thursday & Friday | 1.6–12.6 |
| Kadoma | 23–27 / 13–17 | Rainy spell through the week | 0.1–12.1 |
| Kwekwe | 22–29 / 13–18 | Storms intensifying into Saturday | 0.0–13.5 |
| Lupane | 26–29 / 14–19 | Hot afternoons with scattered storms | 0.0–7.1 |
| Gwanda | 27–34 / 15–20 | Very hot, mostly dry | 0.0–0.2 |
| Gweru | 19–29 / 12–16 | Gradual increase in rainfall through weekend | 0.1–8.8 |
| Harare | 22–25 / 12–17 | Rain intensifies Friday–Saturday; totals >30mm Saturday | 0.1–33.4 |
| Marondera | 20–26 / 11–17 | Consistent rainfall late week | 0.2–11.2 |
| Masvingo | 21–32 / 14–19 | Hot with limited rainfall; sunshine by Saturday | 0.0–0.8 |
| Mutare | 22–27 / 14–19 | Eastern Highlands remain unsettled; scattered showers | 0.4–1.8 |
Impact & Advice
For farmers, this rainfall provides a much-needed boost during the critical cropping season. However, heavy downpours in already saturated northern districts may increase risks of:
- Flash flooding
- Waterlogging in low-lying areas
- Urban dwellers should remain vigilant for:
- Lightning strikes
- Temporary road flooding
- Reduced visibility during storms
MSD continues to monitor the situation as part of a whole-of-government approach involving climate and water authorities.
Safety Tips:
- Seek shelter indoors when thunder roars
- Avoid open spaces and tall isolated trees during lightning
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Exercise caution when driving in areas expecting heavy rain
Zimbabwe’s mid-February pattern is shaping up, warm mornings, stormy afternoons, and a wet end to the week in Mashonaland, Midlands, and parts of Manicaland. Residents are advised to stay weather-aware and prepared for sudden showers and lightning.
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