Met Dept warns of violent storms

THE Meteorological Services Department has said there is a high possibility of violent thunderstorms countrywide with excess of 20 millimetres in 24 hours, from yesterday to today.

In a statement yesterday, the MSD said a cloud band started entering Zimbabwe through Matabeleland provinces from Zambia and Botswana on Wednesday and was expected to have spread eastwards to cover the country by yesterday.

“Heavy downpours in excess of 20mm in 24 hours are likely on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 November 2018,” said MSD. “The department, therefore, advises members of the public to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from these adverse weather conditions.”

MSD said high daytime temperatures ranging from 34 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius are forecast and the resultant heat is likely to bring rain and scattered thunderstorms that may be accompanied by hail, strong winds and lightning.

“Stay indoors during thunderstorms, do not take shelter in isolated sheds or under trees and avoid parking cars under trees,” it said. “The Department will continue monitoring the conditions and update the public accordingly.

“The Department also requests the public to provide feedback or information on disasters as it is not everywhere.”

Zimbabwe is expected to receive normal rains with a bias towards below normal throughout the 2018/19 season, according to MSD.

The MSD said this implies the country will receive erratic rains during the 2018/19 season.

According to the MSD, this season, violent storms, prolonged dry spells, flash floods and tropical cyclones cannot be ruled out as the season progresses.