brace for a cold spell — Met Dept
Wednesday, 29 June 2011 01:00

By Tendai Rupapa

ZIMBABWEANS should brace for a severe cold spell from today up to Monday next week, with overnight ground temperatures expected to drop to minus eight degrees Celsius in some places.
The Meteorological Services Department yesterday said the cold spell was a result of dry and cold continental winds sweeping across the region. The cold front would see temperatures plummeting and some areas recording severe ground frost in the morning.

"In places such as Matopos, Gweru, Kezi, Chivhu, Harare, Marondera and Masvingo, there is propensity of ground temperatures falling to as low as minus eight degrees Celsius overnight.
"Members of the public, especially the vulnerable in such areas are urged to put on warm clothing or take necessary measures to make themselves comfortable."

The department warned people against using braziers (mbaura/imbaula) in their houses. The department urged people to open windows at night when using braziers and also to monitor them when there are children around.

It also urged farmers to be wary of damage to their crops, advising them to take appropriate measures.
Some of the crops that are affected by cold weather are tomatoes, potatoes, wheat, flowers and vegetables.
Every year the country experience severe cold spells in winter as cold fronts move in from the south and temperatures can go as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, the Met Department said.

There have been a succession of cold fronts. Right now there is a Sou'Westerly gale battering the place and last weekend, we endured three days of howling Sou'Westers. As these gales and cold fronts are generated in the Antarctic, they bring cold weather with.