The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of widespread thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning and heavy downpours across the country from Tuesday to Thursday.

In an advisory issued on Monday, the MSD said the country will come under the influence of cool, moist south-easterly winds interacting with a mid-level atmospheric system.

This will result in unstable weather conditions.

“The weather is expected to change from Tuesday, September 29 through Thursday, October 1.

“(There will be) rainfall amounts exceeding 30mm in some places,” the department said.

According to the forecast, rain accompanied by thunder and lightning will start in parts of Masvingo on Tuesday morning.

They will then spread to other provinces later in the day.

Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Manicaland and Mashonaland East are expected to receive heavy falls.

Meanwhile, other areas will see scattered thunderstorms.

The department said strong winds may damage rooftops, uproot trees and bring down power lines.

Lightning may also pose a risk to life.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid crossing flooded rivers, not to seek shelter under isolated trees and to secure loose property.

Farmers have been urged to protect crops with windbreaks and to provide shelter for livestock.

The warning comes after significant rainfall was recorded over the weekend.

Mutasa receiving 66mm, Esigodini 55mm, Binga 52mm, Gokwe 47mm and Chivi 45mm.

Early Rains Not Start Of Season

The MSD has clarified that the current rains do not signal the start of the 2026/27 rainy season.

Deputy Director Mr Isaac Masawana said the current system is a passing cloud band and part of normal transitional weather.

“This has nothing to do with the start of the season.

“We are still far from season onset,” Masawana said.

Zimbabwe’s Rainfall Pattern

Zimbabwe’s rainfall is highly seasonal, with the main rainy season running from November to March and peaking in December to January.

The period from September to October is typically hot and dry.

It is characterized by isolated thunderstorms and strong winds as the country transitions from winter to summer.

Rainfall distribution is also uneven, linked to the country’s five agro-ecological regions.

Region One, covering the Eastern Highlands, receives over 1000mm annually.

Meanwhile Regions Two and Three, which include Harare, Mashonaland and Midlands, receive 650mm to 800mm.

Regions Four and Five, covering much of Matabeleland South, Masvingo lowveld and parts of Mashonaland West, are semi-arid and receive below 650mm with high variability.

The country is recovering from the 2025/26 season which was marked by flooding, deaths and extensive damage to roads and bridges. The seasonal outlook for 2026/27 points to below-normal rainfall for the October to December period due to El Nino conditions, although heavy localized storms remain possible.

The MSD said it will continue to monitor the situation and urged the public to follow official weather updates.