Met Office warns of heavy rains

THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of heavy rains beginning tomorrow (Friday) with a possibility of flash flooding in some parts of the country.

Thunderstorms are expected to be generally light during this period with rainfall in excess of 50mm in 24 hours expected in some areas.

Head of MSD, Mr Tich Zinyemba, said a cloud band is expected to start entering Zimbabwe through Matabeleland provinces tomorrow spreading eastwards into the country.

“While this is happening, moisture is also forecast to enter eastern areas of Zimbabwe from Zambia and Mozambique. The two cloud systems should merge and cover the whole country on Sunday 27 November 2016,” said Mr Zinyemba.

“At the same time pressure should be rising off the Durban coast increasing convergence across Zimbabwe”.

He said heavy rains were expected in Masvingo, Manicaland and Mashonaland provinces.

“The Meteorological Services Department wishes to advise the public that heavy rains are expected to affect most of Mashonaland provinces, Manicaland province as well as north of Masvingo province on Saturday 26 November and Sunday 27 November 2016,” said Mr Zinyemba.

He said if these expected weather patterns behave as predicted, then indications are that there would be heavy downpours that might lead to potential flash flooding in Manicaland province as well as parts of Mashonaland East province.

“In general, however, the rain and thunderstorms are expected countrywide. Of note in particular are the rains expected in Manicaland province on Sunday 27 November that may cause potential flash flooding.

“The Department anticipates that falls in excess of 50mm in 24 hours may occur in these areas. Elsewhere, the ensuing rains and thunderstorms will however be generally light,” said Mr Zinyemba.

The country has received varying amounts of rainfall in most parts of the country in the past two weeks.

In Bulawayo, residents are praying for more rains to avert the water crisis that has seen some suburbs going for over five days without running water.

Residents are relying on community boreholes and bowsers from council for clean water.