Thunderstorms sweep across Zimbabwe

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has issued a warning that unsettled weather is expected to persist following widespread thunderstorms that brought heavy rainfall to parts of the country, including Harare and surrounding provinces.

In a weather update, the MSD reported that intense rainfall was recorded in several areas within a 24-hour period, with Harare Southerton receiving 100 millimetres of rain. Other high totals included Murehwa (95mm), Harare Mufakose (92mm), Chinhoyi (74mm), and Henderson (66mm).

"Widespread thunderstorms were experienced countrywide, with heavy rainfall recorded in parts of Harare and Mashonaland," the MSD said, noting that the downpours were driven by abundant moisture over much of the country.

The department explained that conditions on Monday began with mostly cloudy and mild weather, but rising temperatures combined with moisture triggered scattered thundershowers later in the day.

Looking ahead, the MSD forecast mostly cloudy and mild conditions on Tuesday morning, becoming warmer in the afternoon with scattered thunderstorms expected across all regions. Localised heavy rainfall is likely over Mashonaland West, Harare Metropolitan, and Mashonaland East.

By Wednesday, weather conditions are expected to remain partly cloudy and mild in the morning, turning warm in the afternoon, with isolated thundershowers likely towards the evening.

The MSD urged the public to take precautions during the stormy period. "The public is advised to avoid crossing flooded rivers to prevent loss of life and to seek shelter in a safe building or hard-topped vehicle to avoid lightning strikes," the department said.

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely as the country moves through the peak of the rainy season, with disaster risk agencies on alert for possible flooding and lightning-related incidents.