Maravi

(HERALD) December rains break record

December rains break record
Herald Reporter

DECEMBER has received record amounts of rainfall countrywide with a cumulative average of more than 200 percent of normal rainfall to date, making it the wettest December on record. The rains have seen Chivhu recording the highest amount of 504mm compared to 496mm recorded over the first half of the season last year. Arcturus received the lowest rainfall of 175mm, which is above the December average of 100mm.

The Meteorological Department yesterday said wet conditions that have been experienced over the month have made this year’s December the wettest of 127 Decembers on record.

Most areas have accumulated about twice as much rainfall as they would during the same period, 200 percent of normal to date.

Rainfall amounts throughout the country continue to rise with most areas receiving more than 300mm in one month.

The heavy falls have led to waterlogging in poorly drained soils, ponds, increases in river flows and dam levels and flooding in low-altitude areas such as Muzarabani and Malipati.

Principal meteorologist Mr Hector Chikoore said Chivhu has recorded the most notable cumulative total of 504mm since the beginning of this month.

"The percentage of rainfall received in December this year is very high. In fact, over half of the country has received more than 300mm with exception of the extreme southern parts of the country.

"Chivhu has received the highest cumulative total of 504mm followed by Harare which received 462mm which is close to the amount recorded during the first half of the season last year," he said.

Other areas that received considerably high rainfall were Mutare 390mm, Chinhoyi 362mm, Kwekwe 349mm and Masvingo 322mm.

During the same period, Gweru recorded 296mm, Makuti 294mm, Chakari 283mm, Mt Darwin 299mm, West Nicholson 278mm and Zvishavane 276mm.

Kariba received 252mm, Joshua Nkomo Airport 247mm, Tsholotsho 239mm, Plumtree 218mm, Odzi 214 and Kadoma 212mm.

Mr Chikoore said that the rates of evaporation were very low across the country due to the extensive cloud cover and high relative humidity that was experienced during the greater part of the month under review.

Labels: RAINFALL, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 3:36 AM