Staff Writer 
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) says the country is safe from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi which is currently developing in the Indian Ocean.
This comes as the country is expected to receive heavy rains and thunderstorms to last until the end of this month.
Speaking to the Daily News yesterday, MSD meteorologist Isaac Masawana said their preliminary observation had shown that the cyclone would not reach the county.
“Tropical storm Dikeledi, which is currently developing, is not likely to affect Zimbabwe. From the current trajectory that we are monitoring, the cyclone will head towards a different direction.
“This means that Zimbabwe is safe from this cyclone because when it hits Madagascar it will head southwards instead of coming to Zimbabwe.
“From our observation this cyclone is not a threat to us. We are safe from it, but we will continue monitoring its development during the course of the week,” he said.
The MSD said that the cyclone was located less than 200 km off the coast of Antsiranana province, Madagascar.
Meanwhile, the MSD added that most parts of the country would continue to receive heavy rains associated with thunderstorms due to abundant moisture and atmospheric instability.
“Widespread thunderstorms were experienced countrywide due to the abundance of moisture and atmospheric instability.
“Heavy rainfall was mainly in Mashonaland West, Masvingo and some parts of Matabeleland South provinces. The highest rainfall amounts were recorded in Masvingo (55mm), Gwanda (39mm), Guruve(33mm), Mvurwi (31mm), Kwekwe (15mm) and Kariba(13mm).
“Other areas had rainfall below 10mm. This morning, cloudy and mild conditions with moderate showers were experienced over the southern, western and northern parts of the country. “The eastern parts of the country were briefly cloudy in the morning.
However, by the afternoon it became partly cloudy and warm in all areas with isolated thunder showers in places. “The atmosphere over the country continues to be abundant in moisture and there is a slight pressure rise in the south east coast of South Africa,” the MDS said.
