Rainy Season Begins with Mixed Feelings

After a delayed start to the 2025-2026 rainy season, widespread downpours swept across Zimbabwe this week, delivering over 50 mm in multiple districts and signalling the onset of planting under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) reported a moisture-laden system from Botswana and the southeast blanketing Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo, Midlands, Manicaland, Harare, and all Mashonaland provinces.

Lightning and strong winds accompanied the storms. Farmers in Mashonaland Central, Masvingo, and Midlands have begun land preparation, collecting seeds via Agritex offices.

The MSD forecasts normal to above-normal rainfall from November to January under neutral ENSO and negative Indian Ocean Dipole conditions.

“This is prime time for early-maturing crops and moisture conservation,” the MSD said.

“Avoid flood-prone fields and follow regional advisories,” a Zimbabwe Farmers Union official said.

In cities, clogged drains caused road flooding and power cuts in Harare, Chitungwiza, and Bulawayo. Mbare and Kuwadzana residents reported sewer overflows.

The Civil Protection Department activated provincial teams and urged schools and clinics in vulnerable areas to update evacuation plans.

Civil society groups pushed for community early-warning systems and better data sharing to address past coordination failures.