Staff Writer
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD), in collaboration with the Department of Civil Protection, has issued a weather advisory warning of scattered thunderstorms, strong winds and localised heavy downpours expected across Zimbabwe from , today, Sunday, November 15, through to Friday, November 20, 2026.
In a statement issued on Saturday, November 14, the MSD classified the warning as Level 0, indicating a high likelihood of occurrence but minor potential impacts.
“The warning is at Level 0, with a HIGH likelihood and MINOR impact,” the MSD said.
The department said the initial thunderstorms would affect Harare Metropolitan Province, Matabeleland North, Manicaland and all Mashonaland provinces on Sunday and Monday before spreading to other parts of the country.
“Scattered thunderstorms, strong winds with localised downpours and possible hailstorms are expected,” the MSD warned.
The department said the weather system would initially affect the northern, eastern and northern-central parts of the country before extending nationwide.
“From Monday, 16 November to Friday, 20 November 2026, the thunderstorms are expected to spread to all areas of the country,” the MSD said.
The department warned that the anticipated weather conditions could result in lightning strikes, hailstorms and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, along rivers and in urban centres.
It cautioned that strong winds could damage crops, rigging, sails, trees, plants and structures.
The MSD also raised concerns over the potential impact of the rainfall on agricultural production, particularly grain quality.
“Rain during grain filling and maturity can reduce grain quality, while high moisture levels can increase the risk of fungal diseases,” the department said.
In its safety advisory, the Department of Civil Protection urged members of the public to take precautionary measures to minimise the risks associated with thunderstorms.
The public was advised to seek shelter inside houses or buildings whenever lightning occurs and avoid standing under trees or near tall poles and other exposed objects.
Residents were also urged to avoid sailing during storms and postpone journeys where possible.
Other recommended precautions include repairing rooftops, securing loose objects around homes, trimming loose-hanging branches and staying away from windows and glass doors during strong winds.
The department further urged households to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water, remain hydrated and provide livestock with adequate shelter and feed.
Explaining the weather developments, the MSD said moisture currently prevailing over the northern and eastern parts of the country was expected to support the development of scattered thunderstorms over Manicaland, Matabeleland North, Harare Metropolitan and all Mashonaland provinces on Sunday and Monday.
The department warned that these conditions could be accompanied by hailstorms, locally heavy rainfall and strong winds.
“Furthermore, a cloud band is expected to enter the country from the west on Monday, 16 November 2026,” the MSD said.
The department explained that the incoming cloud band was likely to intensify atmospheric instability and moisture convergence, resulting in increased thunderstorm activity.
“This system is likely to enhance atmospheric instability and moisture convergence, resulting in increased thunderstorm activity across the country, potentially persisting through to Friday, 20 November 2026,” the MSD said.
The department urged members of the public to remain alert and follow its daily weather updates through its official communication platforms, including its social media handle @MSDZIM and email address msdzimstudio@gmail.com.