Hot spell continues as temperatures soar

A hot spell continued sweeping across the country yesterday with some places recording temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius, while people collapsed in some areas as they worked in fields and gardens.

This confirms October this year as the hottest month since 1925.

The high temperatures are expected to continue until Sunday.

The Health and Child Welfare Ministry and some health experts are urging members of the public to be wary of diarrhoea, headaches, vomiting and dehydration.

Senior Meteorological officer, Mr Jonathan Chifuna, yesterday said the highest temperatures were recorded in Chiredzi with 45 degrees Celsius, up from 44 degrees Celsius recorded in October 1992.

He said all stations countrywide-recorded temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius yesterday.

Lupane beat its Monday record of 42 degrees Celsius by recording 42,5 yesterday.

Harare (Belvedere) also surpassed its 1925 record of 35,1 degrees Celsius, setting a new 2011 record of 35,4 degrees Celsius. Harare International Airport recorded 36,1 degrees Celsius up from 34,2 recorded last year.

Binga recorded 41,5 degrees Celsius, up from 40,8. Kadoma set a new record of 39,7 degrees Celsius up from 38,2 recorded in 1998.

Plumtree recorded 38,5 degrees Celsius up from 37,8 degrees Celsius recorded in 1962.

Gokwe recorded 37,6 degrees Celsius up from 36,5 degrees Celsius recorded in 1954.

West Nicholson recorded 44 degrees Celsius, Zaka 43, Beitbridge 43, Victoria Falls 41 and Wedza 36 degrees Celsius.