Meteorological Services Department Of Zimbabwe
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe, functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, is dedicated to providing comprehensive meteorological, seismological, and climatic services across all sectors of the economy. Our mission is crucial—preventing loss of life and minimizing property damage by equipping stakeholders with accurate, timely, and impactful weather and climate information. We cater to a diverse range of needs from agriculture, where precise weather data supports food security, to disaster risk reduction, aiding the Department of Civil Protection in preparing for and mitigating extreme weather events. Additionally, we enhance tourism by offering detailed forecasts for major attractions, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience for visitors. As we advance, our goal for 2025 is to achieve nationwide inclusivity in weather services, ensuring every community in Zimbabwe has access to vital early warnings and forecasts, thus reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding lives and fostering sustainable development.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
“To provide customer and stakeholder driven quality seismological, weather and climate services for socio economic development.”
Our Vision
“A world-class provider of meteorological, climatological and seismological products and services by 2025”
Our history
The earliest meteorological records in Zimbabwe date back to 1878 with rainfall measurements at Hope Fountain Mission near Bulawayo. The initial plan was to establish around twelve climatological stations equipped to monitor essential meteorological parameters such as pressure, temperature, humidity, and rainfall, creating a foundational network for analyzing local climate patterns.
1922 to 1932
Daily rainfall and synoptic reports began in 1922, with regular weather forecasts starting in 1924, which were distributed to the press and telegraphed to all Post Offices. The launch of scheduled aviation services in January 1932 led to the establishment of new Meteorological Offices near aerodromes in Bulawayo and Harare (formerly Salisbury).
1951 to 1954
Between 1951 and 1954, the meteorological observing network in Zimbabwe experienced significant growth with the installation of three storm weather radars in Harare (formerly Salisbury), Bulawayo, and Ndola, Zambia.
1963 to 1980
In 1963, following the dissolution of federal services, the Belvedere training school was established in Harare (formerly Salisbury) to train meteorological personnel. Due to drought, an operational cloud seeding program was initiated in the 1972/73 season. Throughout the liberation war from 1974 to 1980, the number of operational stations decreased as some personnel were displaced. However, technological advancements continued, and by 1980, the department had acquired its own computer system, significantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of processing meteorological and climate data.
Post-independence era
In the post-independence era, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) was structured into divisions such as Administration and Finance, and Operations.
2013
Recognizing the need to adapt to the evolving demands of its customers and stakeholders, MSD restructured in 2013 to include divisions for Engineering, ICT, Research, Training, Agro-met, Aviation, and Public Weather Services. The implementation of the National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS) aims to further expand these services, initially focusing on specialized, tailor-made services for key sectors such as Energy, Water, Disaster Risk Reduction, Health, and Tourism. Looking ahead, the goal is to extend these services across all economic sectors, fostering a science-based decision-making environment.
Latest modernizations
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe operates forty-seven synoptic stations, with twelve of these regional basic climate stations providing data to the Global Telecommunication System (GTS). As a member of the World Meteorological Organization, we contribute high-quality weather data on a global scale, affirming our commitment to world-class standards. Our service provision is continuously advancing through innovative initiatives like Numerical Weather Services, which leverage BIG Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-Time Data to deliver precise, impact-based weather forecasts. We are equipped with a High-Performance Computer based at the University of Zimbabwe, and High-Powered Cluster Computer Machines that perform calculations at hyper speed. These resources enable us to develop refined weather information that meets global standards. Additionally, nine of our stations are dedicated Aviation Met Stations, providing essential weather data to the aviation industry. This is critical as no aircraft can operate safely without accurate weather information. Pilots rely on our data to navigate various atmospheric conditions such as Clear Air Turbulence, hailstorms, strong winds, fog, heavy rains, and cyclones, all of which can affect flight schedules and safety. As we anticipate further expansion with new airports across the country, our capacity to support aviation safety continues to grow.
