Zimbabwe warns of deadly heat as El Niño raises fears of heatstroke and water shortages
The Eastleigh Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care has issued a public health warning over rising temperatures, urging residents to take precautions against dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke. In a statement, the Ministry cautioned that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures and strenuous physical activity can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, putting lives at risk. The warning comes amid projections in the 2026/2027 seasonal climate outlook indicating a likelihood of below-normal rainfall and warmer-than-normal temperatures associated with El Niño conditions. The projections have raised concerns about increased exposure to extreme heat and possible water shortages. According to the Ministry, children, older pers…