Zimbabwe experiencing the mid-season dry spell

The country is experiencing the mid-season dry spell and it is not severe like the other past years, the Meteorological Services Department has said.

This has resulted in low rainfall being received in most parts of the country. MSD climate applications official, Ms Linia Mashawi said the mid season dry spell was normal around this time of the year.

"The dry spell is being experienced. Light rainfall is expected to continue in most places up to around January 24. The mid season break is not expected to be severe as light isolated showers are expected to continue mostly over Manicaland, Mashonaland, north of the Midlands and Matabeleland North provinces," she said.

Ms Mashawi said the dry spell was expected to be severe in the southern provinces where no rainfall was being received.

"Farmers should continue with activities that conserve moisture as light falls are anticipated.  This period is not ideal for fertiliser application," she said.

She urged tobacco farmers to insure their crops as chances of hail occurrences were still high. Farmers are also encouraged to consult the nearest Agritex officers for the best and relevant practices as these differ from place to place.

"A system of low pressures is expected to bring widespread heavy falls starting on January 25 generally across the country with some areas receiving more than 50mm in a day. This may lead to flash flooding," she said.

Zimbabwe normally experiences the mid season dry spell in January. During the past years the dry spell has been severe lasting up to three weeks resulting in large hectares of crops being written off. Weather experts have predicted a normal rainfall season this year.