Zimbabwe is expected to experience strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and rain in several parts of the country this week, with weather officials warning communities to prepare for sudden changes in conditions.
The unsettled weather is expected to affect the country at a time when many communities are still dealing with the effects of the severe 2025/26 rainy season, which caused flooding, deaths, damaged homes, and destroyed roads and bridges.
The Meteorological Services Department has warned of strong winds across Zimbabwe, while thunderstorms, lightning, and light rain are expected in some areas. Chipinge, Chiredzi, Chimanimani, and Nyanga are among the districts identified as likely to receive thunderstorms and lightning. Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Bulawayo are also facing an increased risk of lightning during the period.
The warning covers a wide area, meaning residents in other parts of the country have also been urged to monitor local weather updates as conditions can change quickly. The strong winds may damage roofs, uproot trees, bring down branches, and affect crops. Structures that are already weak because of previous storms or poor maintenance could be particularly vulnerable.
Farmers have been advised to use windbreaks where possible and to secure farming equipment, crop coverings, and other loose materials before the winds intensify. Residents have also been urged to check their homes and surroundings. Loose roofing sheets, unsecured doors, outdoor furniture, and other objects can become dangerous when lifted by strong winds.
Branches hanging over houses, roads, and power lines should be dealt with carefully, while people have been warned not to stand close to trees, poles, or exposed structures during lightning. The latest weather warning comes after a devastating rainfall season in which heavy downpours caused flooding in several parts of the country.
Between January and February, persistent rain led to dam spillages, river flooding, and flash floods. Low-lying areas, communities near rivers, and settlements with poor drainage were among the worst affected. At least 109 people were confirmed dead in rainfall-related incidents during the emergency, including drownings, people swept away by floodwaters, and lightning strikes.
At least 61 others were injured, and more than 8,000 households—representing over 41,000 people—were affected across the country. Many families were displaced or left without adequate shelter. Some communities were cut off after bridges collapsed or roads were submerged. The flooding also damaged schools, health facilities, houses, agricultural land, irrigation schemes, and other essential infrastructure.
Several incidents involved people being trapped or marooned as rivers rose quickly. In rural areas, residents often rely on footbridges, narrow roads, and river crossings to reach schools, clinics, markets, and workplaces. When those routes are flooded, communities can remain isolated for days, particularly where rescue equipment and transport are limited.
The flooding also placed pressure on dams and downstream settlements. Major dams, including Tugwi-Mukosi, Manjirenji, Manyuchi, and Bubi-Lupane, reached full or near-full levels during the rainy season. Spillages increased the risk of flooding along rivers and in areas below the dams. Authorities have repeatedly warned residents not to cross flooded rivers, even when the water appears shallow.
Fast-moving water can sweep away people, vehicles, and livestock within seconds. The danger is often greater at night, when the depth and speed of the water are difficult to judge. The current warning is focused on strong winds, lightning, thunder, and rain, but the combination of these conditions can create several hazards.
Heavy rain may reduce visibility on roads, while fallen trees and branches can block routes or damage vehicles. Lightning may affect electricity supplies and create a serious danger for people working or travelling outdoors. Motorists have been advised to reduce speed during storms and avoid driving through water-covered roads.
Roads that appear passable may conceal damaged surfaces, open drains, or deep washaways. Drivers should also avoid stopping beneath trees or near power lines when strong winds and lightning are present. People who are outdoors when lightning begins have been advised to move indoors as quickly as possible.
Open fields, hilltops, riverbanks, and isolated shelters offer little protection. The use of taps, showers, and other plumbing should be avoided during lightning because electrical currents can travel through water and metal pipes. Farmers face additional risks as strong winds can damage crops, blow down maize and other plants, and spread fungal problems in wet conditions.
Grain stored in poorly protected structures may also be affected by moisture. Farmers have been encouraged to inspect storage areas, secure roofs, and keep harvested produce away from water. The weather warning also comes as Zimbabwe prepares for the 2026/27 rainfall season.
The seasonal outlook indicates that the country could experience below-normal rainfall between October and December, with warmer-than-normal temperatures expected during the early part of the season. The start of the rainy season is expected to be uneven, with some areas receiving rain while others remain dry. However, a forecast for generally lower seasonal rainfall does not prevent individual storms from producing intense downpours.
Short periods of heavy rain can still cause flash flooding, particularly in towns with blocked drainage systems and in rural areas close to rivers and streams. The government has been strengthening its early-warning systems after the deadly floods and storms recorded earlier this year. Weather information is being used to help communities, farmers, local authorities, and emergency agencies prepare before dangerous conditions develop.
Residents have been encouraged to follow official weather updates and act on warnings issued by the Meteorological Services Department and the Department of Civil Protection. Communities should keep emergency telephone numbers available, identify safer buildings, and check on vulnerable individuals before severe weather arrives.
As the storms move across the country, the greatest danger may come from sudden changes rather than continuous rain. A calm afternoon can quickly be followed by powerful winds, thunder, and lightning. Residents in Chipinge, Chiredzi, Chimanimani, Nyanga, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Bulawayo have been placed on particular alert.
The message from officials remains clear: secure homes, protect crops, avoid flooded rivers, stay away from trees and poles during lightning, and move indoors when storms approach. With many communities still recovering from the damage caused by the previous rainy season, early action could help prevent further loss of life and property.