HARARE – Zimbabwe is expected to experience rain, thunderstorms and strong winds from Tuesday, with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warning of localised downpours of more than 30mm.

In an advisory issued Sunday in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection, the MSD said the weather system would affect the country from Tuesday, September 29 to Thursday, October 1.

“Rain with lightning, thunder and strong winds. Localised downpour (above 30mm),” the MSD said.

The department said the likelihood of the weather conditions was high, although the expected impact was classified as minimal.

It said the system would develop as “cool, moist south-easterly winds interact with a mid-level atmospheric system.”

“Rain, occasionally accompanied by thunder, lightning, and strong winds, will affect parts of Masvingo from Tuesday morning, before spreading to other provinces later in the day,” the MSD said.

“From Wednesday 30, cloudy and cool conditions are expected, with rain likely in provinces such as Masvingo, Matabeleland South, and the southern parts of Manicaland, while thunderstorms remain possible in other areas.”

The department warned of lightning strikes, flash floods and strong winds.

“The public, particularly farmers and vulnerable groups, is advised to take precautions against strong winds and lightning,” it said.

The advisory said people should avoid standing under trees or near tall poles and other objects during thunderstorms.

Farmers were urged to protect livestock and guard against possible grain-quality losses.

“Rain during grain filling and maturity can reduce grain quality,” the MSD said, adding that high moisture levels could increase the risk of fungal diseases.

The Met did not say if this marks the start of the rainy season, which is forecast to deliver below normal rainfall for most parts of Zimbabwe due to a potentially severe El Niño which experts project will cause higher global temperatures and disrupt rainfall pattens across large regions – meaning drought in some areas and heavy rains in others.