News / National
Temperatures reach record high
28 Sep 2013 at 03:55hrs | Views
TEMPERATURES yesterday soared to record highs, surpassing the 1978 levels, the Metrological Services Department has said.
Soaring temperatures across the country saw the national average peak at 37 degrees Celsius with Chiredzi at a sweltering 43,1 degrees, Zaka hit 41, Lupane 39, Masvingo 38 while Kwekwe boiled at 37 degrees.
Most parts of the country were also reported to have hit temperatures well above a 35-year record set in 1978.
The MSD said the conditions were being caused by hot tropical air that was sweeping across much of the entire sub-continent.
Met Department senior official Mr Tich Zinyemba ruled out the possibility of a heat wave.
"A heat wave occurs when for more than five consecutive days the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average temperature by 5°C," he said.
Mr Zinyemba said that hot weather was expected to persist today (Saturday) but forecast that temperatures would start falling on Sunday, especially in Masvingo and Matabeleland South.
He warned people against starting veld fires as they would be difficult to control.
"Burning of whatever type should be avoided at all costs," he said.
Dozens of people succumbed to exhaustion and dehydration as the country continued to bake.
Mr Zinyemba urged people to take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against dehydration.
"The public is advised to drink abundant water and keep in the shade as much as possible.
"We highly recommend that vulnerable members of the society, especially children and the elderly, keep indoors as much as possible," said Mr Zinyemba.
By yesterday afternoon Zimbabwe was scorching with Harare recording 34 degrees, Bulawayo 36, Gweru 34, Mutare 37 and Masvingo 38.
Mr Zinyemba dispelled the assumption that these high temperatures could be a sign the country would get below average rains in the 2013-2014 rainy season.
He said the country would experience normal rains as forecast.
Soaring temperatures across the country saw the national average peak at 37 degrees Celsius with Chiredzi at a sweltering 43,1 degrees, Zaka hit 41, Lupane 39, Masvingo 38 while Kwekwe boiled at 37 degrees.
Most parts of the country were also reported to have hit temperatures well above a 35-year record set in 1978.
The MSD said the conditions were being caused by hot tropical air that was sweeping across much of the entire sub-continent.
Met Department senior official Mr Tich Zinyemba ruled out the possibility of a heat wave.
"A heat wave occurs when for more than five consecutive days the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average temperature by 5°C," he said.
Mr Zinyemba said that hot weather was expected to persist today (Saturday) but forecast that temperatures would start falling on Sunday, especially in Masvingo and Matabeleland South.
He warned people against starting veld fires as they would be difficult to control.
"Burning of whatever type should be avoided at all costs," he said.
Dozens of people succumbed to exhaustion and dehydration as the country continued to bake.
Mr Zinyemba urged people to take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against dehydration.
"The public is advised to drink abundant water and keep in the shade as much as possible.
"We highly recommend that vulnerable members of the society, especially children and the elderly, keep indoors as much as possible," said Mr Zinyemba.
By yesterday afternoon Zimbabwe was scorching with Harare recording 34 degrees, Bulawayo 36, Gweru 34, Mutare 37 and Masvingo 38.
Mr Zinyemba dispelled the assumption that these high temperatures could be a sign the country would get below average rains in the 2013-2014 rainy season.
He said the country would experience normal rains as forecast.
Source - Herald
