The Meteorological Services Department (MSD), said that the rainy season has not yet commenced despite some scattered thundershowers experienced this week in some parts of the country.
Speaking to Zimpapers Television Network, MSD head of forecasting, James Ngoma, advised farmers against premature planting, saying effective rains will fall at the end of October. He said:
Farmers must prepare land but should not plant as rains received so far are below 10mm which cannot sustain germination of crops. At least 20mm of rain and above is required for planting.
Winds (blowing) from South Africa have been contributing to the odd showers being experienced in the country and they are bringing in moisture and a lot of changes in temperatures in the past days.
Zimbabwe is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in the first half of the 2018/19 season. The previous season was characterised by a severe drought, the worst in close to forty years.