Samantha Chigogo Harare Bureau
Cold temperatures being experienced throughout the country will continue and members of the public should ensure they stay warm, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has said.
Incursions of moisture into the country during the forecast period will maintain wintry weather with ground frost expected across the country.
“The current wintry weather (cloudy, cold and windy with drizzle) is forecast to affect much of the country from time to time during the forecast period,” the department said.
“Expect temporary improvement in weather conditions mid-week before another incursion of moisture causes increased cloudiness, cold and windy weather conditions in the southern areas of the country from Saturday 16 July.”
The Met department also warned of frosty temperatures in some parts of the country.
“Frosty weather with subdued temperatures rapidly falling towards evenings and into the early hours of the morning is forecast during the period and there are risks of severe morning frost along the watershed and other wind-sheltered areas,” the department said.
“Light rain and drizzle continues to affect southern and eastern areas of the country and yesterday Goetz Observatory (Bulawayo) actually measured 10mm.”
The Met department said most provinces across the country will be cloudy, windy and cold with drizzle now and again.
“It should be cold in the morning to cool later, the windy chill factor should also be taken on board and as such, warm clothes should be on standby even for outdoor activities and almost a must at night,” MSD said.
Among some areas forecast to be very cold include Mutare with a maximum of 14 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 7 degrees Celsius while Gweru should be ranging from a maximum of 17 degrees Celsius to a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius.
The Met department cautioned farmers involved in horticulture activities including poultry, dairy and hatchery farming, to seek advice from agricultural specialists on best measures to keep their animals and plants safe from the freezing temperatures.