Vongai Masuka

The Meteorological Services Department has warned the country to brace for heavy rains and strong winds that will hit the country until Saturday.

In a statement,  MSD said the rains are expected to exceed 50mm in Midlands, all Mashonaland Provinces, and the Harare Metropolitan region. Thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and strong destructive winds will accompany the rain.

The public has been advised to remain updated with weather forecasts and exercise caution. Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has advised farmers who are concerned about moisture stress impacting their crops, to intensify planting activities and take advantage of the rainfall.

“Farmers should intensify and scale up planting for the next two weeks, we have been receiving meaningful rains over the past 3 days and we want to urge farmers to take advantage and finish planting,” he said.