Current Weather in Harare

In Zimbabwe, a cultural awareness deeply connected to the weather has been cultivated across agriculture, traditions, and daily life, centered around the two-season system of dry and rainy seasons.

Sense of Seasons and Recognition of Rainy and Dry Seasons

Seasonal Division

• The dry season (April to October) is characterized by continuous sunny weather and significant temperature differences.
• The rainy season (November to March) is marked by a high amount of rainfall and is essential for the growth of crops.

Agriculture and Traditional Events

Rhythm of Planting and Harvesting

• Corn and cotton are planted in accordance with the start of the rainy season.
• During the harvest season, a community-wide "Harvest Festival (Mbira Festival)" is held, where gratitude prayers are performed.

Daily Life and Weather Adaptation

Innovations in Housing and Clothing

• To prepare for the cold during the dry season, thick cloth is used to moderate the temperature difference between day and night.
• In the rainy season, earthen houses are modified to be elevated to prevent moisture issues.

Traditional Calendar and Nature Worship

Ancestor Prayers and Rain Dances

• The ancestor worship ritual known as "Bira" includes dances and prayers for rain to wish for a fruitful harvest.
• Village elders play a role based on the calendar to determine the optimal timing for rainfall.

Modern Weather Awareness and Challenges

Response to Climate Change

• Recent frequent droughts have led to the promotion of small-scale irrigation facilities.
• Planting calendars and early warning systems utilizing weather data are becoming more widespread.

Summary

Zimbabwe's climate culture is characterized by a stance that aims for co-existence with the weather through the fusion of tradition and modern technology.