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Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
A severe cold spell with temperatures as low as three degrees Celsius hit Zimbabwe yesterday and is expected to last until Sunday accompanied by winds and clouds, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has said.

The department said in a statement yesterday that the cold spell was a result of significant pressure rising off the south-east coast of South Africa that was expected to steer a cold and moist south-easterly airflow into the country.

MSD said the most affected parts would be Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South, southern areas of the Midlands (Zvishavane to Gweru), Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

“The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) wishes to advise the public that very cold, windy and cloudy conditions are expected over the country from Tuesday 3 July to Sunday 8 July, 2018,” said the department.

“Although current weather conditions show that early morning and evening temperatures are cold countrywide up to 10 degrees Celsius, we expect these areas to become even colder, cloudy and windy from Tuesday onwards with anticipated temperature ranging from three to five degrees Celsius in the mornings and evenings and highs of 13 to 19 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.

“Light rain and drizzle is also expected now and again. Temperatures will gradually warm up to 21 degrees Celsius by Sunday.”

The department said the most affected areas were expected to have reduced chances of ground frost due to the windy and cloudy conditions during the week.

MSD officials said they would continue to monitor the conditions and update the public accordingly.