The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and the Department of Civil Protection have issued a joint severe weather alert, warning of intense thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding across several provinces from yesterday through tomorrow.
The alert identifies Manicaland, Masvingo, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Mashonaland East and Central as the most affected areas. Rainfall in these regions is expected to exceed 50mm within 24 hours, accompanied by strong winds, hail, and damaging lightning.
According to MSD, the severe weather is being driven by cold, moist air moving northwards from south-eastern South Africa, interacting with existing moisture over Zimbabwe. This atmospheric combination is predicted to trigger widespread storms, with the eastern provinces facing the highest impact.
“These conditions pose serious risks including flash floods, hazardous road conditions with reduced visibility, landslides, and rockfalls,” the alert stated. Authorities have urged the public to take immediate precautionary measures as advised by local Civil Protection Units.
Communities in flood-prone areas, river basins, and wetlands are advised to remain vigilant. The warning highlights potential dangers from strong winds, fallen trees, blown-off rooftops, lightning, and hail.
The alert comes amid forecasts of normal to above-normal rainfall for the 2025-26 season in southern Africa, increasing the overall risk of flooding, particularly along major rivers and in cyclone-prone areas.
Source – Newsday
