· As drought hits Zim
LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
The Meteorological Services Department has predicted rainfall patterns to improve this week to most parts of Zimbabwe following wet winds which blew from neighbouring countries.
The development comes at a time when crops are experiencing serious moisture stress and water sources drying up amid fears of a looming drought.
The Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum Mid-season Review has predicted below normal rainfall in Sadc, raising an alarm of a serious drought.
Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department foresees continued erratic rainfall and high temperatures with heavy downpours expected from Wednesday.
“The moisture field across the field should slightly increase from Wednesday till Friday to cover Midlands, Matabeleland North, Manicaland, Mashonaland provinces, Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan as well as the northern districts of Matabeleland South and Masvingo, with scattered rain showers expected.
“Heavy downpours cannot be ruled out in all places,” reads part of the MSD statement.
Mutare, Mazowe, Mutoko and some parts of Kwekwe also received meaningful rainfall patterns accompanied by lightning, strong winds and storms.
Experts warn that most places will be right-offs and the country will have successive droughts in as many years if Zimbabwe does not receive rainfall in the next two weeks.
