Starting this Friday, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has issued a forecast predicting a notable drop in daytime temperatures across several regions of Zimbabwe, including Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Manicaland, and the southern parts of Midlands. This cool spell is expected to last through the weekend, with temperatures potentially plummeting to as low as 13 degrees Celsius. In some areas, particularly elevated regions, temperatures could dip even lower, reaching extremes between -5 and -10 degrees Celsius.
The MSD attributes this chilly shift to a cool and moist south-easterly airflow moving into Zimbabwe on Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21. This change will bring about cloudy skies, windy conditions, and cooler weather, particularly affecting the regions above. Light rain and drizzle are anticipated in various locations, adding to the overall dampness of the weekend.
For residents in the affected areas, preparation is key. The significant temperature drop, especially in the southern regions, warrants attention. Residents are encouraged to dress warmly and take necessary precautions to stay comfortable and safe during this colder period. On Sunday, the weather is expected to shift slightly, with scattered clouds and milder conditions in the Bulawayo Metropolitan area, southern parts of Matabeleland North and Midlands, and Harare and Mashonaland East provinces. However, the initial days of this cold front will certainly bring a stark contrast to the warmer conditions experienced in recent weeks.
The MSD described this weather pattern as a “deadly kick of a dying winter horse,” indicating a notable strengthening of relatively cool winds originating from the southeastern coast of southern Africa, which began to intensify on Thursday evening, September 19, 2024. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and to adapt to these sudden changes in weather, as the transition from winter to spring can often bring unpredictable conditions.
In other news – Water shortages threaten energy stability in Zimbabwe and Zambia
The once-majestic Zambezi River, which serves as a critical lifeline for Zimbabwe and Zambia, has tragically transformed into a dry expanse of sand and sparse puddles. This drastic decline in water levels has precipitated a severe crisis, exacerbating the already precarious energy situation in both nations. Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made reservoir fed by the Zambezi, is at the heart of this dilemma, with its plummeting water levels critically affecting hydroelectric power generation.
The Zambezi River, Africa’s fourth-longest river, flows into Lake Kariba, which houses hydroelectric stations that supply electricity to millions across Zimbabwe and Zambia. Read More
