The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has reassured citizens of Zimbabwe regarding the Severe Tropical Storm Dikeledi, which is currently located 3,000 kilometers away from the country’s border.
In an advisory released at 6 PM on January 10, 2025, the MSD confirmed that Zimbabwe will remain unaffected by the storm throughout the week, concluding Wednesday, January 15 as reported by Pindula.
Dikeledi, now classified as a severe tropical storm, is projected to make landfall just north of Vohemar town in the Antsiranana province of northeastern Madagascar on January 11 in the mid-afternoon (UTC).
When it hits Madagascar, the storm is expected to pack maximum sustained winds reaching up to 179 km/h, qualifying it as a tropical cyclone.
While Dikeledi presents risks for Madagascar, the MSD has warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms impacting some regions in Zimbabwe, specifically Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West, and Manicaland.
However, these conditions are unrelated to the storm itself.
This year’s Tropical Cyclone Season commenced unusually early, beginning in October 2024 rather than its standard December start.
Thus far, three tropical cyclones have been recorded: Ancha from the Comoros Islands, Bheki from Eswatini, and Chido from Zimbabwe, following the alphabetical naming convention.
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Notably, Ancha and Bheki did not reach Zimbabwe or Mozambique, whereas Chido impacted Mozambique without affecting Zimbabwe.
Dikeledi is recognized as the fourth named storm of the season, corresponding with the letter D in the naming system provided by South Africa.
As of the advisory on January 10, it is noted to have reached the Severe Tropical Storm stage, categorized below a tropical cyclone.
After traversing northern Madagascar, Dikeledi is anticipated to return to the Mozambique Channel, where it is likely to weaken somewhat.
The MSD will evaluate the potential effects in Mozambique starting January 12, 2025, once the storm has entered the Mozambique Channel.
The department will maintain vigilant monitoring of Dikeledi and keep the public updated regarding its strength and projected path.
