Zimbabwe Expects Heavy Rainfall and Flooding This Week

Zimbabwe Expects Heavy Rainfall and Flooding This Week

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has issued a warning that much of the country will experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential flash flooding through Saturday.

Meteorologists predict rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters (mm) within a 24-hour period across the nation, highlighting that even shallow water (as little as 30 centimeters) can be strong enough to wash away heavy vehicles.

Although the ongoing rains provide hope for farmers and contribute to increased dam levels, they also present significant risks for local communities.

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In its latest advisory, MSD warned that heavier rainfall is expected to continue from yesterday through Saturday.

“Persistent moisture in the atmosphere, linked to a cloud system, has been producing widespread rainfall across the country since late December 2024, continuing into January 2025.

Zimbabwe Expects Heavy Rainfall and Flooding This Week

“Regions including Matabeleland North, the northern Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, the northern parts of Manicaland, and all Mashonaland Provinces are forecast to experience scattered thunder showers between January 5-8, 2025,” the statement reads.

The MSD further noted that additional moisture from the southeast coast of Southern Africa will bring cloudy, windy, and cooler conditions to Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland Provinces.

By Friday, January 10, rainfall is expected to intensify in southern Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Harare Metropolitan Provinces, potentially exceeding 50mm within 24 hours.

The department has also issued a warning for potential flooding, even in areas that do not see heavy rains, as upstream rainfall could lead to floodwaters downstream.

The MSD cautioned that violent storms may result in fallen trees, damaged rooftops, and collapsed billboards due to strong winds.