Elita Chikwati, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE is expected to experience near record-breaking high temperatures across the country from today to tomorrow, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned.
In a statement yesterday, the MSD said although hot temperatures would be experienced across the country, low-lying areas would be the most affected.
“The MSD wishes to advise the public of very hot weather to be expected on Tuesday 17 October 2017.
“These near record-breaking high temperatures will be experienced throughout the whole country, with the low-lying areas such as the Zambezi and Limpopo valleys forecast to go as high as 43 degress Celscius,” said the MSD.
The department added that Matabeleland North, Harare, all Mashonaland Provinces and northern parts of the Midlands will continue experiencing high temperatures on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.
However, Matabeleland South, Manicaland, Masvingo and southern parts of the Midlands should expect a decline in daytime temperatures due to the cloud cover anticipated to infiltrate the country from South Africa.
“The Department strongly advises against extended exposure to direct sunlight. As such, the usual health-related protection measures should be maximised,” said MSD.
Wearing of sunglasses and hats, especially for children during outdoor activities, is considered to be extremely important.
People are also urged to stay out of the heat as often as possible.
“Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day between 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, avoid strenuous outdoor activity such as sport or gardening or do this during cooler times of the day, if you must go out, stay in the shade and wear a hat and loose-fitting cotton clothes.
“If you are outside, take plenty of water with you, do not leave babies or children alone in a parked car with windows closed, take cool (not cold) showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, especially your face and the back of your neck and for those with breathing problems, keep inhalers nearby,” said the MSD.