Climate and Weather
HARARE – The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast that Zimbabwe is likely to experience tropical cyclones during the upcoming 2025/26 rainfall season, urging communities in vulnerable areas to prepare and heed official warnings.
The alert, based on projections from regional climate bodies, indicates that a weak La Niña pattern between October 2025 and March 2026 is expected to bring normal to above-normal rainfall across the country. This significantly increases the risk of flooding and waterlogging, with a high probability of tropical cyclones affecting southern Africa, particularly Zimbabwe’s eastern regions.
MSD Director, Mrs. Rebecca Manzou, confirmed the forecasts while emphasising that the exact intensity and paths of the cyclones are still to be determined.
“From what we are seeing, though, the high temperatures, there are going to be a few cyclones,” Mrs. Manzou told Zim GBC News.
“We do not know the intensity and distribution, but we are just anticipating that they will be there because of the energy present in the atmosphere.”
She issued a stern warning to residents in flood-prone areas like Muzarabani, recalling the tragic lessons from Cyclone Idai.
“If you are told to move to protected areas, do that because you cannot decide on your own which area is safe,” she cautioned.
The season is expected to have a delayed, erratic start with initial dry spells in October and November, followed by improved rainfall from December. The northern parts of the country may, however, experience drier conditions later in the season.
In a significant boost to the country’s early warning capabilities, the World Food Programme (WFP) donated three Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the MSD. WFP Deputy Country Director, Billy Mwiinga, stated that the donation was a critical investment in climate resilience.
“These vehicles are more than just a means of transport. They are a tangible investment in our continued and growing collaboration with MSD in strengthening climate services and early warning systems in Zimbabwe,” Mwiinga said.
Mrs. Manzou welcomed the support, noting the challenges faced during Cyclone Idai.
“For MSD, there came a time when we did not have vehicles specifically during Tropical Cyclone Idai.
For us to hear that we are getting three vehicles is like Christmas has come very early,” she said, adding that the vehicles will be vital for maintaining weather stations and reaching remote communities with timely alerts.
The memory of Cyclone Idai, which caused devastating landslides and flash floods claiming hundreds of lives in Chimanimani in 2019, underscores the critical importance of preparedness for the coming season.
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