Zimbabwe braces for thunderstorms, hail and flash floods

By Tichaona Katsvamutima

Zimbabwean authorities have warned of thunderstorms, possible hailstorms and heavy downpours expected to sweep across several provinces from Tuesday to Thursday, raising concerns over flash flooding, lightning strikes and damage to property and crops.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD), in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection, issued the advisory on Monday, urged residents to take precautions as unsettled weather spreads from southern and western Zimbabwe towards northern and eastern regions.

“From Tuesday afternoon, 27 October 2026, scattered thunderstorms, with possible hail, are expected over Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands, Masvingo and southern parts of Manicaland,” the department said.

The storms are expected to move northwards on Wednesday, bringing rainfall to Harare, northern Manicaland and all three Mashonaland provinces through Thursday, October 29.

“On Wednesday, 28 October, cool, moist south-easterly winds will bring more stable conditions to the southern half of the country, while thunderstorms shift northwards,” the MSD said, warning of possible localised heavy downpours.

Despite classifying the weather system under Warning Level Zero, indicating minimal anticipated impact, the department assessed the likelihood of thunderstorms as high.

Authorities warned that lightning strikes, strong winds and flash floods could threaten communities, particularly in low-lying areas, along rivers and in urban centres vulnerable to sudden flooding.

The latest alert follows a devastating hailstorm in Masvingo earlier this month that affected more than 13,000 households, damaging homes, schools, businesses and crops. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the affected areas a state of disaster.

In a separate tragedy, four people were killed by lightning at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe while operating a hammer mill, underscoring the dangers associated with severe thunderstorms.

The warning also comes amid concerns over the 2026/27 rainy season, which is forecast to be influenced by El Niño, a climate phenomenon associated with below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells and higher temperatures in Southern Africa.

In its seasonal outlook, the MSD warned that Zimbabwe faces an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall, potentially affecting agricultural production and water availability.

“There is an increased chance of below-normal rainfall across the entire country during this period,” the department said in its seasonal forecast, warning of an erratic start to the rainy season.

However, isolated heavy downpours, hailstorms and flash floods remain possible even during seasons characterised by below-normal rainfall.

People have been urged to remain indoors during lightning storms, avoid sheltering beneath trees, secure loose objects and repair vulnerable rooftops.

Authorities also warned of possible waterborne disease outbreaks, urging communities to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water.

“Daily updates will be provided through official media channels, and residents are strongly urged to follow guidance issued by the Department of Civil Protection,” the MSD said.

While the immediate concern is the threat of thunderstorms and flash flooding, the longer-term challenge remains the prospect of an erratic rainfall season that could expose Zimbabwean communities to both destructive storms and prolonged drought.