The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned that Bulawayo and Matabeleland provinces are likely to experience thunderstorms this evening which will be accompanied by strong winds and lightning.
In its a weather report and forecast update, MSD urged people to remain indoors to avoid being injured or struck by lightning. Reads the report:
It should start off mostly sunny and mild becoming hot by the afternoon with cloudy development over Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, southern areas of Midlands and Matabeleland North, coupled by afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Thus lighting, strong winds, localised hailstorm as well as heavy downpours are probable.
Please note, lightning can strike even when the thunder clouds are still far off. The 30-30 rule; If lightning is seen in a distance and one cannot count 30 seconds before the sound of thunder, then there is a potential of lightning strikes. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last rumble.
MSD also warned that hailstorm occurrence was possible and potential destruction to property and life was also possible today with strong winds being able to blow off loose materials like rooftops.
The warning comes after hailstorm recently destroyed houses and classrooms in Chipinge and Chimanimani Districts in Manicaland.
More: The Sunday News