Communities across Matabeleland have been urged to prepare for a potentially difficult 2026/27 rainfall season, with the National Climate Outlook forecasting below-to-normal rainfall, dry spells, erratic rains and warmer-than-normal temperatures.
The warning was contained in a Post-Cabinet Briefing statement posted on X by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
According to the Ministry, the national rainfall outlook for October 2026 to March 2027 is being influenced by a strong El Niño.
“The National Climate Outlook for the 2026/2027 rainfall season, October 2026 to March 2027, forecasts below to normal rainfall driven by a strong El Niño, with dry spells, erratic rains and warmer-than-normal temperatures expected,” the statement said.
Between October and December 2026, rainfall is expected to be drier than normal across the country, although some areas of Matabeleland South and Masvingo may receive near-normal rainfall.
The Ministry said: “October to December 2026 is likely to be drier than normal, though some areas in Matabeleland South and Masvingo may get near normal rains.”
The outlook for January to March 2027 also raises concerns for the country’s southern and western areas, which include parts of Matabeleland.
“January to March 2027 shows below normal to normal rainfall in the north and east, and normal to below normal in the south and west,” the Ministry said.
For communities in Matabeleland, the forecast could have implications for crop production, livestock, water availability and other livelihoods that depend on the rainfall season.
The Ministry said the risk of reduced rainfall requires Government departments, agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen preparations ahead of possible impacts.
“Due to the risk of reduced rainfall, Ministries, Departments, Agencies and stakeholders are urged to strengthen contingency planning, intensify water harvesting and conservation, and prepare for potential humanitarian and socio-economic impacts,” the statement said.
The Ministry said further updates would be provided by the Meteorological Services Department as the season progresses.
The 2026/27 rainfall season is expected to run from October 2026 to March 2027.