Talent Gore
THE Meteorological Services Department has issued a warning to residents in six provinces to prepare for spells of lightning and thunder, as well as isolated showers and moderate winds, from today until Friday.
The affected provinces include Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Masvingo, Manicaland and the southern districts of Midlands.
Despite minimal impact, the Met Department recommends that residents avoid seeking shelter under trees, near poles, or pylons, and try to find shelter in an earthed building.
It also discouraged planting during these rains and advised people to keep warm and consult health professionals in the event of weather-related health issues.
The Met Department said the advection (the horizontal transfer of heat or other atmospheric properties) of relatively moist air into the south-western parts of the country should result in cloudy conditions and isolated showers over the western parts.
“These clouds should slide eastward and southward, only to be enhanced by added moisture from the south-east.
“This combination should culminate in heavier rains over the Eastern Highlands on Wednesday evening with cloudy, windy and cool conditions in Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Manicaland.
“These clouds should start clearing on Friday giving rise to a warmer weekend,” the Met Department said.
It warned that despite minimal impact, isolated lightning strikes, light showers and moderate winds are expected in an unprecedented weather pattern shift.
“Watch out for isolated lightning strikes and light showers, drizzle, moderate winds, shift from hot to cloudy cold.
“When thunder roars, it is best to be indoors.
“Do not seek shelter under trees or near poles or pylons; try to find an earthed building. If unable to find shelter, crouch as low as possible and as far as possible from livestock.
“Ensure the elderly and people with disabilities, young and ill are kept warm when the weather changes from hot to cool on Wednesday.”