Zimbabwe Braces for Heavy Rains and Thunderstorms This Week

ZIMBABWE is set to experience thunderstorms, strong winds and frequent lightning this week with some areas likely to receive more than 50mm of rainfall within 24 hours, the Meteorological Services Department has warned. In a statement Monday, the department said the severe weather will be driven by a system of low pressure to the north and south of the country, allowing warm and moist air to generate intense storms across most parts of Zimbabwe. The forecaster warned that the heavy rains will significantly increase the risk of flash floods particularly in areas already saturated by ongoing rainfall. “Driven by a system of low pressures to the north and south of the country, warm, moist air is expected to generate widespread thunderstorms, strong winds, and frequent lightning across Zimbabwe from Tuesday, 20 to Saturday, 24 January 2026, with some areas likely to receive in excess of 50mm of rainfall within 24 hours, significantly elevating the risk of flash floods, hazardous road conditions with reduced visibility, landslides, and rockfalls, particularly in areas already saturated by ongoing rains,” the statement reads. The department urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution and comply with safety measures issued by the Department of Civil Protection. “The public is therefore strongly advised to take precautionary measures as directed by the Department of Civil Protection.” The warning comes as several parts of the country continue to receive persistent rains with most rivers and roads already flooded.