By Advent Shoko | ZiGoats
Zimbabwe is set for several hot, mostly sunny days after scattered thunderstorms brought rain to parts of the country, although isolated showers remain possible in some northern areas.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe, in its latest weather forecast issued on Wednesday, October 28, said Thursday would bring partly cloudy and mild conditions in some areas, becoming mostly cloudy, windy and hot by afternoon in parts of the country.
The weather forecast points to a shift towards drier weather from Friday, October 30, with temperatures climbing into the upper 30s in several locations of Zimbabwe and reaching 40°C in Lupane on Saturday.
Harare, Northern Provinces Face Lingering Showers
Harare Metropolitan, northern Manicaland and the Mashonaland provinces are among the areas forecast to experience partly cloudy conditions on Thursday, with scattered thunderstorms possible in some places.
The MSD said there was also a possibility of hail and localised downpours.
The latest outlook follows scattered thunderstorms recorded on Wednesday over south-western districts as moisture moved in from the west.
Morning conditions were mostly cloudy and cool over Masvingo, southern Manicaland and parts of Matabeleland South. Rain and drizzle were recorded in south-eastern districts as moisture moved in from the south-east.
The department said isolated thundershowers could develop towards evening over northern areas.
Forecast For Major Cities
In its city forecast for Thursday, the MSD expects temperatures of around 31°C in Harare, 33°C in Bindura, 34°C in Chinhoyi and 35°C in Kadoma.
Chinhoyi has a forecast rainfall amount of 41.9mm, while Bindura is forecast to receive 17.3mm. These are forecast amounts, not confirmed rainfall totals.
Bulawayo is expected to remain sunny, with a maximum temperature of about 28°C.
Temperatures To Climb Towards 40°C
The weather is expected to become hotter and generally drier from Friday, although isolated showers remain possible in northern areas.
On Friday, northern parts of Manicaland, Harare and the Mashonaland provinces are forecast to start partly cloudy and mild before becoming warm in the afternoon. Isolated showers, possibly accompanied by thunder, may develop towards evening.
Harare is forecast to reach 32°C on Friday, rising to 33°C on Monday. Bindura could reach 35°C on Monday, while Lupane is forecast to record 40°C on Saturday.
The main cities outlook for Thursday through Monday shows predominantly sunny conditions across much of the country after Thursday’s showers.
Mutare may experience rain on Thursday and Friday before conditions clear over the weekend. Marondera is also forecast to become mostly sunny after a cloudy start on Thursday.
The forecast signals a return to hot conditions, but residents should not assume that every area will remain dry. Weather conditions can vary between districts, particularly where isolated thunderstorms develop.
Public Urged To Take Lightning Precautions
Despite the expected improvement in conditions, the MSD has urged residents to remain cautious wherever thunderstorms occur.
The department advises people to carry raincoats where necessary, seek shelter indoors when thunder is heard and avoid standing under trees during thunderstorms.
Residents should also secure loose infrastructure, which can be damaged by strong winds, and drink adequate amounts of water as temperatures rise.
Lightning and sudden downpours can pose risks even when storms affect only small areas. People should avoid exposed locations during thunderstorms and stay away from flooded roads, rivers and drainage channels.
For farmers, changing conditions mean continued attention to local forecasts is important, particularly where rain could affect crops approaching maturity.
Zimbabweans are encouraged to follow updated forecasts from the Meteorological Services Department as conditions change.
For now, the outlook is clear: isolated storms remain possible, but hotter, sunnier weather is expected to dominate much of the country heading into the weekend.
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