Whinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
THE cold weather will clear today paving way for a return to the heat wave that has seen temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), said yesterday. It said there would be morning rains and evening thunderstorms in parts of Matabeleland, in a forecast covering up to Sunday.

MSD head of forecasting, Tichaona Zinyemba, said the two day cold spell would give way to hot weather and light drizzle. “The weather will be cloudy with light drizzle but we expect more sunny outbreaks in Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Masvingo.”

“This therefore means the current cold weather conditions should be short-lived. Starting from tomorrow to Sunday, the dry and hot weather conditions will prevail.” He said according to the 2015-2016 seasonal forecasts, farmers in the Matabeleland region should be prepared for a season that may be below normal.

“In Matabeleland South there may be an improvement in the rainfall performance during the period November to February,” Zinyemba said. He said the rainfall distribution during the season would ultimately affect farming activities like planting dates and fertiliser application.

Zinyemba said in October and early November, there are frequent cloud systems that move into Zimbabwe from Botswana which are usually accompanied by lightning, violent thundershowers, hail and strong winds. “It is important therefore for the public to be aware of this and stay alert to exercise caution,” he said.

The MSD, Zinyemba said, would, as usual, issue alerts and attendant advisories for appropriate authorities to consider and preferably act upon.