ASHLEY MASAKADZA

The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD) has advised the public to be cautious of lightning strikes and thunderstorms which have been forecasted to hit most parts of the country from 26 to 29 September.

In a statement posted on their official X account, the MSD department said the country will experience a shift in the current weather pattern which may come with rains that are accompanied by isolated lightning strikes, light showers, drizzle and thunder  in several provinces.

” The public must watch out for isolated lightning strikes, light showers, drizzle, moderate winds and a shift from hot to cloudy cool. These changes will only be noticed in the following provinces, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Masvingo, Manicaland Provinces and Southern Districts of Midlands Province.

“When thunder roars it is best to be indoors.  Do not seek shelter under trees or near polls or pylons, try to find an unearthed building {most council-approved houses and buildings are less affected by lightning due to the earth wire that runs through them}. If unable to find shelter, crouch as low as possible and as far as possible from livestock,” the statement reads.

The department also warned the public to keep the elderly, children and the ill in warm environments to avoid any health risks during heavy rain cool temperatures.

Farmers have been warned not to take the storms as an indication of the beginning of the rainy season as they will not be sufficient for planting.