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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
THE cold spell that started last week will continue for the rest of the week, with some areas in Matabeleland recording temperatures as low as minus three degrees Celsius, the Meteorological Services Department said yesterday.
Tich Zinyemba, the department’s head of public weather services said temperatures were dropping drastically at night resulting in widespread incidences of frost across Bulawayo and Matabeleland provinces.

He said the cold spell that is affecting the country was caused by dry and frigid air that was pushed into the country from South Africa and Botswana ahead of a high pressure that was moving overland at the beginning of this week. “Temperatures overnight and into the early hours this week were low, ranging between four to 23 degrees Celcius in Matabeleland South and the Midlands,” said Zinyemba.

“There was widespread frost also reported and places such as Kezi recorded minus four degrees while Victoria Falls recorded minus one degree.”

Zinyemba said clear skies, cold mornings and mild cool days should dominate the weather during the week.

He urged the public to keep warm to protect themselves from the cold weather.

“In view of this cold weather that is expected, the Meteorological Services Department consequently recommends that the public, particularly the vulnerable (elderly and children) put on warm clothing. People should, however, desist from using braziers in enclosed places where windows are shut,” said Zinyemba.

He added: “Farmers should also protect their produce against frost damage by irrigating their crops where water is easily available and liaise with Agritex extension officers in their areas.

“Dry vegetation and low humidity will precipitate runaway fires; consequently the Meteorological Services Department urges extreme caution to be exercised with fires to reduce loss of life and damage to flora and fauna.”

Crops in Umguza District in Matabeleland North province were last month damaged by frost.

According to Agritex, more than 80 hectares of fields planted with various crops was destroyed by frost.