Travellers planning to visit Zimbabwe this festive season are urged to exercise extreme caution due to expected heavy weather conditions and rainfall.
The country’s Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and the Department of Civil Protection issued a joint severe weather alert warning of intense thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and potential flooding across several provinces.
Zimbabwe weather: High-risk provinces named
The alert, which came into effect on Wednesday, highlights high-risk conditions in Manicaland, Masvingo, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Mashonaland East and Central.
Forecasters expect these areas to record more than 50mm of rain within 24 hours, along with damaging lightning, strong winds and hail.
Zimbabwe weather system driven by moist air from SA
Cold, moist air sweeping in from south-eastern South Africa will collide with moisture-laden conditions already over Zimbabwe, driving the looming severe weather.
A report released on Tuesday highlights this approaching clash of weather systems.
This combination is likely to spark widespread storms, with the eastern regions expected to bear the brunt.
Floods, landslides and dangerous travel conditions
“These conditions pose serious risks including flash floods, hazardous road conditions with reduced visibility, landslides and rockfalls,” the alert warned.
Authorities have urged the travelling public, particularly those heading to rural areas, tourist sites, or using long-distance routes, to closely monitor weather updates and follow guidance issued by local Civil Protection Units.
