Zimbabwe: MSD Warns of Heavy Rains, Lightning and Strong Winds

What the report says

Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned that a spell of widespread rain and thunderstorms is expected from Tuesday to Thursday, with risks of localized heavy downpours, lightning and strong winds. The alert was carried by 263Chat and distributed by AllAfrica from Harare. According to the report, the advisory was issued on Sunday and said some areas could receive more than 30mm of rain.

The MSD urged people to take precautions against flash flooding, especially in low-lying locations, near rivers and in urban areas. It also cautioned that strong winds may damage crops, roofs and other structures, and could uproot trees and plants. Farmers were advised that rain during grain-filling and maturity stages may affect grain quality and increase the chance of fungal disease.

The weather system is described as forming through the interaction of cool, moist south-easterly winds with a mid-level atmospheric system. Rain and thunderstorms were expected to reach parts of Masvingo first, then spread to other provinces later in the day. By Wednesday, conditions were forecast to turn cloudy and cool, with rain most likely in Masvingo, Matabeleland South and southern Manicaland, while thunderstorms could still occur elsewhere.

The forecast follows recent rainfall that led some people to question whether the 2026/27 rainy season had started. MSD deputy director Isaac Masawana said last week that those rains should not be taken as the season’s onset. The department said the public should remain alert during thunderstorms and avoid exposed areas when lightning is present.