Abigail Mawonde and Talent Chimutambgi
Heavy rains pounded the whole country last week with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) indicating that Henderson in Mashonaland Central received the highest amount at 80mm. The rains brought relief to farmers as crops were succumbing to prolonged dry spell while animals were running short of pastures. Responding to questions from The Herald on rainfall patterns, the MSD yesterday said all the provinces received rains.

“There was widespread thunderstorm activity across the country during the period between 12 and 17 January with significant rainfall recorded in most provinces.

“Notable amounts were 54mm at Kwekwe, Gweru 67mm, Harare (Belvedere) 56mm, West Nicholson 54mm,Chisengu 52mm, Karoi 44mm, Unit G (Chitungwiza) 71mm, Kutsaga 41 mm,Wedza 32mm, Bindura University 33mm, as well as 80mm at Henderson,” read the statement.

In Matabeleland North, Hwange and Lupane received 30mm and 31mm respectively between January 14 and 15, while in the Midlands Province, Kwekwe received most rains (54mm) on January 14 and 16.

In Masvingo, Rupike topped the charts with 67mm of rainfall recorded on January 16 while Harare’s Belvedere station recorded 32mm, 13mm, and 56mm on January 12, 14, and 16, respectively.

Bindura University recorded 27mm and 33mm on January 16 and 17.

In its outlook for January 18 to 24, MSD said it should be progressively getting drier.