By a Correspondent
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD), in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection, has issued an urgent weather advisory warning of sharply falling temperatures, strong winds and light rain across several parts of Zimbabwe from Tuesday, August 11, to Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The advisory comes as a severe cold front sweeps through southern Africa, plunging temperatures to freezing levels across neighboring South Africa, where snowfall and severe cold snaps have gripped the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and high-lying interior regions.
According to the MSD, cool, moist south-easterly winds interacting with a mid-level atmospheric system are expected to result in significantly reduced daytime and nighttime temperatures in several provinces.
The affected areas include Matabeleland South, parts of Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands, Manicaland, Harare Metropolitan and Mashonaland East.
The MSD said some areas, including Chipinge, Chiredzi, Chimanimani and Nyanga, could experience light rain and drizzle, together with reduced sunshine hours.
The weather conditions are expected to pose risks to communities, livestock and crops.
Strong winds could cause damage to structures, trigger soil erosion and affect livestock, while prolonged cold and wet conditions could increase the risk of fungal diseases and affect the quality of grain in standing crops.
The authorities have urged members of the public to remain indoors where possible, dress warmly and consume hot fluids to guard against the effects of the cold weather.
Farmers have also been advised to provide vulnerable livestock with adequate shelter and bedding.
To protect crops from the cold and strong winds, farmers have been encouraged to use measures such as mulching, row covers and windbreaks.
The cold spell in Zimbabwe coincides with severe winter conditions in South Africa, where snowfall and freezing temperatures have affected parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and other high-lying areas.
Motorists and members of the public have been urged to exercise caution, follow official weather updates and comply with safety instructions issued by local civil protection authorities.
