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Zimbabwe braces for possible cyclones in 2025/26 season
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Zimbabwe is likely to experience tropical cyclones during the upcoming 2025/26 rainfall season, with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) urging communities in flood-prone areas to take early warnings seriously.
According to the Famine Early Warning System Network (Fews Net), a weak La Niña is expected between October 2025 and March 2026, bringing normal to above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country. This weather pattern is likely to increase risks of flooding, waterlogging, and cyclones, particularly in the eastern regions.
MSD forecasts point to a delayed and erratic start to the season, with dry conditions in October and November, before rains improve in December. The southern and western provinces are anticipated to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, while the northern regions could face normal to below-normal rains later in the season.
MSD director Rebecca Manzou said the department is anticipating cyclones, though their exact intensity and distribution remain uncertain.
"From what we are seeing, there are going to be a few cyclones. We do not yet know their strength or spread, but we are anticipating them because of the energy present in the atmosphere," she said.
She also urged communities in flood-prone areas such as Muzarabani to heed evacuation orders from the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).
"From what happened during Cyclone Idai, people refused to move. If you are told to relocate to safer areas, do so — you cannot decide on your own which areas are safe," Manzou warned.
Manzou further noted that La Niña and El Niño phenomena do not always translate into predictable rainfall outcomes for Zimbabwe.
"If it is La Niña, in most cases there will be a lot of rainfall, but years differ. La Niña does not always mean too much rain, and El Niño does not always equal drought," she explained.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has donated three Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to MSD to enhance mobility and strengthen early warning systems. WFP deputy country director Billy Mwiinga said the donation will boost data collection, weather monitoring, and outreach to vulnerable communities.
"Reliable mobility is essential for MSD teams to reach remote areas, collect data, monitor weather patterns and deliver timely information that helps communities prepare for climate shocks," he said.
Manzou welcomed the support, recalling the challenges MSD faced during Cyclone Idai, which devastated Chimanimani district in 2019, leaving nearly 300 people dead and thousands displaced.
"There was a time when we had no vehicles during Cyclone Idai. Receiving these vehicles feels like Christmas has come very early," she said.
The new vehicles will be used to maintain automatic weather stations, strengthen climate resilience, and improve disaster preparedness nationwide.
According to the Famine Early Warning System Network (Fews Net), a weak La Niña is expected between October 2025 and March 2026, bringing normal to above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country. This weather pattern is likely to increase risks of flooding, waterlogging, and cyclones, particularly in the eastern regions.
MSD forecasts point to a delayed and erratic start to the season, with dry conditions in October and November, before rains improve in December. The southern and western provinces are anticipated to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, while the northern regions could face normal to below-normal rains later in the season.
MSD director Rebecca Manzou said the department is anticipating cyclones, though their exact intensity and distribution remain uncertain.
"From what we are seeing, there are going to be a few cyclones. We do not yet know their strength or spread, but we are anticipating them because of the energy present in the atmosphere," she said.
She also urged communities in flood-prone areas such as Muzarabani to heed evacuation orders from the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).
"From what happened during Cyclone Idai, people refused to move. If you are told to relocate to safer areas, do so — you cannot decide on your own which areas are safe," Manzou warned.
Manzou further noted that La Niña and El Niño phenomena do not always translate into predictable rainfall outcomes for Zimbabwe.
"If it is La Niña, in most cases there will be a lot of rainfall, but years differ. La Niña does not always mean too much rain, and El Niño does not always equal drought," she explained.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has donated three Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to MSD to enhance mobility and strengthen early warning systems. WFP deputy country director Billy Mwiinga said the donation will boost data collection, weather monitoring, and outreach to vulnerable communities.
"Reliable mobility is essential for MSD teams to reach remote areas, collect data, monitor weather patterns and deliver timely information that helps communities prepare for climate shocks," he said.
Manzou welcomed the support, recalling the challenges MSD faced during Cyclone Idai, which devastated Chimanimani district in 2019, leaving nearly 300 people dead and thousands displaced.
"There was a time when we had no vehicles during Cyclone Idai. Receiving these vehicles feels like Christmas has come very early," she said.
The new vehicles will be used to maintain automatic weather stations, strengthen climate resilience, and improve disaster preparedness nationwide.
Source - Newsday
