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Obert Chifamba Manicaland Bureau
MUTASA Weather Station tops the list of areas in Manicaland Province that have received the highest accumulated rainfall to date, with 262mm, followed by Mayo with 248mm and Nyazura with 223mm. This is according to the Weekly Rainfall Bulletin for the period December 6 to 13 provided by the Meteorological Services Department.

In an interview, Manicaland provincial meteorological officer Mr Lucas Murambi told The Herald that in terms of normal precipitation percentages, the bulk of the country was in the normal to below normal range.

“Of concern are parts in Mashonaland West Province, which for the period under review (October 1 to December 6) have received less than 25 percent of their long-term rainfall average,” he said.

“The areas that have received the highest accumulated rainfall to date cover parts of the Mashonaland, Matabeleland provinces, Midlands and Manicaland provinces, whilst the areas with the least are mostly in Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West provinces.”

Mr Murambi noted that light rainfall activity was recorded during the past week.

“Parts of Mashonaland West, Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces recorded amounts ranging from 10mm to 25mm, while the bulk of the country received less than 2mm of rain,” he said.

“The highest accumulated amount for the period was recorded at Kariba (51,4mm) on December 5.

High temperatures were also recorded during the last half of the period.” Mr Murambi observed that evaporation rates were high as a result of the clear skies and high temperatures that prevailed during the past week. The evaporation rates were in the range 50mm to 75mm, with the exception of parts to the north-east of the country, which were lower (40mm to 50mm).

On a positive note, Mr Murambi said light rainfall activity was expected across the country, increasing in intensity thereafter. The accumulated amounts for the forecast period should be 30mm and below, with the exception of the extreme south-eastern parts, which could record more.