Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of scattered violent thunderstorms that may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds in some parts of the country today.

The department urged people to take precautionary measures that include avoiding outdoor activities.

In a statement yesterday, the department said the sporadic sunny breaks will lead to an outbreak of thunderstorms in some areas and light rain in   others “Advection of moisture from Botswana  and Zambia resulted in thunderstorms across much of the country with light morning rain showers. Notable falls were, however, 19mm and 11mm measured in Mount Darwin and Masvingo  respectively.

“Consequently tomorrow, Friday December 15 with increased advection of moisture into the country through both Matabeleland provinces and all Mashonaland provinces should see increased cloud cover over these areas into the interior of the country.

“This coupled with the sporadic sunny breaks, will lead to countrywide thunderstorms and light rain, with heavy downpours especially over high ground,” warned the weather department.

The department advised members of the public attending various outdoor functions to be cautious as the storms tend to be violent, accompanied by lightning and strong winds.

Over the past week, some parts of the country experienced high temperatures. The department also urged members of the public to use weather information from the MSD rather than relying on social media as they can be misled.

The country is expected to receive normal rains during the 2017/18 season, with southern parts of the country expected to receive normal to below normal rains.

This could see the country experiencing another good harvest in 2018 with the good rains expected from January to March next year

The MSD said it will now incorporate indigenous knowledge systems to ensure the public get more accurate forecasts that are beneficial. The department is also working on acquiring rain gauges for every ward. — @pamelashumba1