Zim Temperatures Hit Record Heights
Zimbabwe was hit with extremely high temperatures yesterday. According to senior forecaster at the Meteorological Services Department, Mr Tich Zinyemba, the temperatures ranged between 35 and 42 degrees Celsius.
It’s no surprise that, in some areas, the temperatures broke records set in the 1960s. Showers are expected in the southern parts of the country today, including Matabeleland North and South, Midlands and Masvingo provinces.
Zinyemba also confirmed some record temperatures that were recorded across the country: Chinhoyi (38 degrees Celsius), Harare International Airport (35 degrees Celsius),Hwange (39 degrees Celsius), Chivhu (36 degrees Celsius), Marondera (34 degrees Celsius), and Victoria Falls (41 degrees Celsius).
The Meteorological Services Department made a countrywide announcement, urging people to take precautionary measures and to “drink lots of fluids, particularly water, avoid prolonged stay in the sun, avoid outdoor activities between 11:30 and 15:00 and protect oneself from the sun by using umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats”.
The department also noted the high risk of runaway fires breaking out. There is a cloud band approaching that is set to cover the much of the country today and hopefully result in significant rainfall across the land. This would signal the start of the 2016/2017 rainfall season for Matabeleland North and South, Midlands and Masvingo provinces.
The Meteorological Services Department also sent out a warning saying that the moisture from the potential rainfall combined with the extreme heat, could trigger violent storms with hail and heavy winds.
The department will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public up to date.
