Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted rainfall activity across the country with heavy rains expected in Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

Chief Met Officer, Jonathan Chifuna, said because of the high temperatures that have been experienced of late, rainfall activity may accompanied by thunderstorms which may be violent in some places.

“There should be a gradual increase in moisture from Tuesday 27 October resulting in rainfall activity across the country. Rains should be generally light. There should be a bias of heavier falls to the south of the country that is Masvingo, Matabeleland south and Manicaland where up to 20 millimetres in 24 hours may be realised,” said Chifuna. “Because of the high temperatures that we’ve been experiencing of late, the rainfall activity may be accompanied by thunderstorm activity which may be violent in some places.”

He urged people to exercise caution during thunderstorms. “Therefore we urge the public to drink fluids as much as possible when temperatures are high, not stay in the open when there is a thunderstorm in the vicinity and stay indoors. People must avoid sheltering under trees, standing near high objects and working in the fields when there are thunderstorms,” said Chifuna.

He said the rains do not signal the start of the rainy season.