By a Correspondent
Zimbabwe is bracing for a spell of intense heat, with temperatures expected to reach 44°C in some areas on Thursday before rainfall returns later in the week, bringing cooler conditions.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast rising temperatures on Tuesday, 20 October, and Wednesday, 21 October, with much of the country expected to experience hot conditions in the afternoons.
On Tuesday, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and southern Manicaland will be briefly cloudy, windy and cool during the morning. The rest of the country will be mostly clear in the morning before becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon, with isolated thundery showers possible in northern Manicaland.
Wednesday is expected to be hotter across the country, with clear and mild conditions in the morning giving way to partly cloudy and hot weather in the afternoon.
Temperatures are forecast to range between 35°C and 42°C on Tuesday before reaching 34°C to 43°C on Wednesday. The heat is expected to peak on Thursday, when Lupane could record a maximum temperature of 44°C.
However, conditions are expected to change from Friday as rainfall returns to parts of the country, accompanied by a sharp drop in temperatures. Minimum temperatures could fall to 19°C in Gwanda and 20°C in Masvingo.
The MSD has also issued a high fire-danger warning, cautioning the public against starting outdoor fires as windy conditions could cause flames to spread rapidly.
People are advised to remain hydrated, limit exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day and exercise caution when handling fire.
The forecast highlights the risk of extreme heat in the coming days, with the public urged to take precautions as temperatures rise before the anticipated return of rainfall.
