Zimbabwe News Online: Manicaland to brace for a freezing winter 

Manicaland to brace for a freezing winter
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Manica Post on 07 June, 2010 10:21:00
 
The Meteorological Services Department said this while responding to questions
from The Manica Post on what people in Manicaland had to expect this winter
season.
They added that the department would continue to monitor the weather and issue
relevant updates as they become necessary. During this period, light ground
frost should be recorded in traditionally frost-prone areas.
The Meteorological Services Department meteorologist in the central forecast
office, Mr Reynold Ndoro, said any farming activities being carried out should
require further guidance of local agricultural extension workers, especially in
the frost susceptible areas.
"The winter season for Nyanga, Chipinge and Chimanimani should follow the
traditional cold trends, with cold nights and mild daytime temperature.
“However, cloudy, windy and drizzly conditions are expected from time to
time," he said.
On the recent heavy rains experienced in some parts of the province in the past
weeks, Mr Ndoro said the trends and patterns for Manicaland were indicative of
normal rains received in this region in May.
"Manicaland receives an average of 21 millimetres for May each year which
statistically tallies with the rainfall totals received so far. Any farming
activities being carried out this winter season require further guidance of
local agricultural extension workers, especially in the frost susceptible
areas," he said.
The Meteorological Services Department two weeks ago advised that beginning this
Thursday, May 21 2010, until Sunday, May 23, 2010, there was an enhanced risk of
very cold and windy (cloudy and windy) weather over much of the country.
In addition to that, parts of Matebeleland South (particularly Matopos, West
Nicholson and Kezi), then Bulawayo and Gweru should register some moderate
ground frost in the mornings.
"The public is, therefore, warned to put on warm clothing, particularly
vulnerable members of the society (children and the elderly).
"Please be reminded that the use of braziers (mbaura/imbaula) in enclosed spaces
poses a great risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, therefore, their usage should
be carefully monitored, more so when there are children around," the Met
Department warned.