The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has urged people across Zimbabwe to drink plenty of water, stay out of direct sunlight and avoid starting outdoor fires as a spell of intense heat continues across the country.
The warning follows a run of unusually high afternoon temperatures, with the department reporting that Beitbridge reached 44°C on Tuesday. Gwanda, Binga, Kariba and Buffalo Range each recorded 41°C, while Chisumbanje and Zaka reached 40°C. The readings show how sharply temperatures have risen in some low-lying areas, even as conditions vary from one province to another.
“The presence of dry and hot air over much of the country led to higher-than-normal temperatures in the afternoon,” the MSD said.
The department has advised residents to take precautions during the hottest part of the day. “Keep hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water,” it said. It also urged people to reduce their exposure to direct sunshine by wearing a sunhat and staying under an umbrella or in the shade.
The hot spell is expected to continue on Thursday, with clear skies and mild conditions in the morning giving way to sunny, hot weather in the afternoon. Harare, the northern parts of Manicaland and the Mashonaland provinces are among the areas expected to remain hot, although brief afternoon cloud and isolated showers may develop in north-eastern districts.
The forecast is not the same everywhere. Bulawayo and parts of Matabeleland, as well as the Midlands, Masvingo and southern Manicaland, are also expected to experience mostly sunny and hot conditions. Morning and evening periods are expected to be milder in many places. Temperatures may ease in some areas later in the week, but the department has warned that isolated thunderstorms could accompany a shift in the weather.
For Friday, the MSD has flagged the possibility of brief cloudy spells, wind and isolated thunderstorms in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province and Matabeleland North and South. Harare, northern Manicaland and the Mashonaland provinces are expected to stay mostly clear and hot in the afternoon, with short periods of cloud possible.
People have been advised to carry raincoats where possible and move indoors when thunderstorms occur. The department has also cautioned against taking shelter under trees during storms, when lightning may strike and strong winds can bring down branches.
The warning about outdoor fires comes as the country remains in a dry, hot period before the summer rainy season becomes established. The MSD says windy conditions can cause fires to spread quickly. Residents are being asked to avoid lighting fires in open spaces and to be careful with any activity that could start a blaze, particularly when vegetation and other combustible material are dry.
The heat can also affect farms and animals. Earlier in the week, the MSD and the Department of Civil Protection advised farmers to watch for signs of heat stress in crops and to water or irrigate them when needed, following guidance from local agricultural officers. Livestock and pets should have access to adequate drinking water, while people working outdoors are being urged to avoid strenuous tasks during the hottest hours where possible.
The risk from changing weather is not limited to heat. A severe hailstorm struck Masvingo town on 5 October, bringing heavy rain and hail that damaged homes and church buildings. Roofs were torn away, windows shattered and rooms flooded in affected suburbs, including Rujeko, Mucheke and Victoria Range. Some families had to find alternative places to sleep while damaged homes were assessed and repaired. No injuries or deaths were reported in the initial citywide assessment.
That storm is a reminder of how quickly conditions can shift as the country moves from the dry winter period towards the rainy season. The MSD’s latest outlook points to isolated showers and thunderstorms in parts of the country rather than widespread rain everywhere, so residents are being urged to follow local forecasts and respond to warnings for their area.
In the north-west, places such as Kariba and Binga have been among the hottest in the latest readings. The MSD’s Tuesday figures put both towns at 41°C, while the wider list of recorded highs included Beitbridge at 44°C and Gwanda and Buffalo Range at 41°C.
The department’s advice is intended for people spending time outdoors as well as those at home. Residents are encouraged to drink water regularly, use shade, wear protective headwear and limit prolonged exposure to direct sunshine. People should also pay attention to children, older residents and anyone who may need help staying cool or getting drinking water.
Where thunderstorms develop, the MSD says people should go indoors rather than shelter beneath trees. Those travelling should be prepared for sudden wind or rain, while residents should avoid outdoor fires during the hot and windy conditions. The department has asked the public to remain alert to changing weather and take precautions against both extreme heat and possible storms.