Zimbabwe expected to receive heavy rains - Met dept

Most parts of the country are expected to receive heavy rains with the potential of hailstorm and very strong winds (gales) between today and Monday, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warned yesterday.

For weeks, most parts of the country have been experiencing a dry spell that saw crops being declared a write-off and livestock succumbing to hunger.

In a statement yesterday, the MSD said rains in excess of 50mm per day would fall in the Matabeleland provinces, Central Midlands, all Mashonaland provinces and Manicaland.

"A cloud system currently approaching from the west is forecast to cover much of the country from today (yesterday).

"This is expected to bring heavy rains that'll spread further into the country and indications are that there would be sharp downpours.

"In general, rains are expected countrywide until Monday but should be mainly confined to Mashonaland provinces and Manicaland," reads the statement.

The MSD said temperatures had been high and the thunderstorms had the potential of large hail and damaging winds. The MSD warned the public against taking shelter under trees during the period as there was enhanced risk of being struck by lightning.

"People should refrain from parking vehicles under big and old trees, as these may fall down. All outdoor activities should be planned with the weather in mind. "There's danger of electricity poles falling over, thus increasing the risk of electrocution when cables are handled carelessly.

"Motorists should exercise extra caution on poorly maintained roads," the MSD said in its statement.

Bulawayo and Harare are some of the worst affected cities that have old trees mainly jacarandas that now need constant pruning and maintenance.

President Robert Mugabe early this month declared a state of disaster following the El Niño induced drought that has severely affected both communal and resettlement areas across the country.