Zimbabwe storms expected until Saturday

Zimbabwe is bracing for heavy rains and storms from today until Saturday, as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) issue a joint weather alert warning of rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres, accompanied by strong winds, lightning, and thunderstorms across the country.

The alert comes amid forecasts for normal to above-normal rainfall across southern Africa for the 2025-26 season, heightening the risk of floods, particularly along major rivers and flood-prone areas. Reports from the region show the devastating impact of recent rains. Mozambique has been the hardest hit, with at least 103 people dead, more than 200 000 affected, thousands of homes damaged, and tens of thousands evacuated. In Zimbabwe, DCP confirmed that 74 people have died and property worth US$107 402 has been damaged since the start of the rainy season. South Africa's northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga have reported 19 deaths from severe flooding, while Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia have also recorded flood-related casualties and damages.

According to the MSD and DCP alert, residents are urged to take precautionary measures, especially in flood-prone areas, river basins, and wetlands. The alert warns of flash floods, hazardous road conditions with reduced visibility, landslides, rockfalls, fallen trees, blown-off roofs, and lightning strikes. Authorities said the severe weather is driven by low-pressure systems to the north and south of the country, with warm, moist air generating widespread thunderstorms, strong winds, and frequent lightning from Tuesday, January 20, to Saturday, January 24, 2026, with some areas expected to receive more than 50mm of rainfall within 24 hours.

The departments have called on the public to repair roofs, secure loose items, trim overhanging branches, ensure livestock safety, and seek shelter indoors during lightning, while avoiding tall objects or trees. People are also advised not to use machinery, taps, showers, or open vehicles during storms and to avoid entering flooded or open areas. Authorities urged the public to follow official MSD platforms for timely weather updates.

Zimbabwe, which is prone to cyclones and extreme weather, was recently encouraged to prioritise disaster planning to protect communities, crops, livestock, and infrastructure ahead of the 2025-26 rainy season. A weak La Niña is anticipated this season, likely bringing normal to above-normal rainfall between October 2025 and March 2026. The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook Forum projects 10 to 14 named storms, with 5 to 8 reaching cyclone intensity. Storm formation is expected northeast of Madagascar, posing risks to countries including Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, and potentially Malawi and Zimbabwe if systems move inland.

Authorities continue to urge vigilance, enhanced early warning systems, and emergency preparedness to mitigate the impact of storms and potential flooding.