Zimbabwe’s Rainy Season Delayed as October Set to Be Dry

The government has announced that the 2024/25 rainy season will start later than usual, with October—typically the beginning of the rains—expected to be drier than average.

This announcement comes after a cabinet briefing, warning farmers and the public to prepare for a slow start to the much-anticipated rains.

Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Sithembiso Nyoni, confirmed that despite the delayed start, Zimbabwe is forecast to experience “normal to above normal rainfall” beginning in November.

The minister’s update provides a glimmer of hope for a country still reeling from one of its worst droughts in decades.

In a post-cabinet briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, highlighted the unusual weather pattern for the upcoming season.

“October is projected to be drier than the long-term average,” he said. “However, from November onwards, we anticipate normal to above normal rainfall across the country.”

Farmers and the general public have been urged to adjust their plans accordingly. With the agricultural season heavily reliant on predictable rainfall, the government’s warning is seen as critical to avoiding further disruptions to food production, especially after the severe drought during the 2023/24 season.

That drought, Zimbabwe’s worst in 40 years, was largely blamed on the El Niño phenomenon, which drastically reduced rainfall.

The World Food Programme estimates that around 20% of the country’s 15 million residents were at risk of famine due to the resulting poor harvests.

As the nation looks ahead to the 2024/25 season, hopes rest on the forecast of normal rainfall from November to ensure food security and recovery from last season’s devastating drought.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising the population to stay informed on weather updates.

-Pindula