More rains for the Southern region in December

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast above-normal rainfall for the southern parts of Zimbabwe in December, urging citizens to remain alert while assuring the nation of more frequent and detailed weather updates throughout the season.

This comes as the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has already reported isolated damage to infrastructure in parts of Gwanda District, Matabeleland South, prompting Government intervention through emergency repairs under the "Build Back Better" programme.

In an exclusive interview, MSD Director Mrs Rebecca Manzou said the 2025–2026 rainfall season was unfolding in line with earlier predictions, with a gradual start expected to intensify in December.

"Concerning our 2025–2026 rainfall, the season is slowly starting as we predicted. You will find that in November, we are expecting and experiencing normal to below-normal rainfall. In some places the season has started, but in others it is still to start," Mrs Manzou said.

She, however, noted a significant shift expected in December, with much of the country - especially the south - set to receive heavy and sustained rains.

"Next month in December, there will be normal to above-normal rainfall throughout the country, and in the southern parts, it is going to be actually above. There will be lots of rainfall," she said.

Mrs Manzou cautioned that such conditions could lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and coordination between the MSD, CPU, and local authorities.

"When that happens, we find that floods also appear in some of these places, especially in our flood-prone areas. This is why you will find that civil protection comes in - they know the areas that are prone," she explained.

To enhance preparedness and ensure communities are well informed, Mrs Manzou said the MSD had adopted a new collaborative approach to information dissemination. The department will now issue monthly seasonal forecasts in partnership with key sectors.

"The good thing about the way we now operate is that we work with our stakeholders. When it comes to agriculture, they interpret what this forecast means to them - so there is co-production now. We work together," she said.

She added that the department was engaging various sectors - including health, tourism, and agriculture - to tailor weather information to their specific needs.

"What it means to the Ministry of Health might be different from what it means to tourism. We have embraced all these sectors and are working closely with them," said Mrs Manzou.

The MSD reaffirmed its commitment to providing regular, timely updates to the public and stakeholders to ensure communities are better prepared for potential weather-related risks during the coming rainy season.