Weather Overview

Quick Weather Overview

The following live weather maps give an insight in th the weather we can expect in Zimbabwe. We can compare this to Metars, TAFs and realtime weather observations to get a better insight into the weather conditions we can expect

Cloud Base

Cloud Base

The predicted hight of the base of the cloud above the ground level.

VFR Minimums require a cloud base of at least 1500′ above ground level. this means that you should be avoiding any areas that are not green or grey.

You can also calculate the cloud base using the following formula:

Calculate the ‘spread,’ where you’re taking the current temperature and subtracting the dew point.
Divide the spread by 2.5, then multiply by 1000.

Low Cloud

Low Cloud

These cloud types can be found from ground level to about 6,500ft above it. They include Stratus, Stratocumulus, and Nimbostratus clouds.

Stratocumulus: low level layered cloud, series of rounded rolls, generally white. Precipitation: drizzle.
Stratocumulus: low level layered cloud, series of rounded rolls, generally white. Precipitation: drizzle.
Cumulus: low level, individual cells, vertical rolls or towers, flat base. Precipitation: showers or snow.

Medium Cloud

Medium Cloud

These are found between 6,500ft to 20,000ft above the land surface. Altostratus and Altocumulus are the cloud types found here.

Altocumulus: middle level layered cloud, rippled elements, generally white with some shading. Precipitation: May produce light showers.
Altostratus: middle level grey sheet, thinner layer allows sun to appear as through ground glass. Precipitation: rain
Nimbostratus: thicker, darker and lower based sheet.
Precipitation: heavier intensity rain

High Cloud

High Cloud

High level clouds are composed of ice crystals and are generally found in altitudes of 16,000 feet or higher. These clouds are usually thin and wispy, and they appear white or light gray in color. Common types of high level clouds include cirrus, cirrostratus, and cirrocumulus.

Cirrus clouds appear silky and white in the sky. They have a feathery or wispy appearance, which make them easy to identify. These clouds are often a sign of fair weather.
Cirrostratus clouds often cover the entire sky and are sometimes difficult to distinguish from cirrus clouds.
Cirrocumulus clouds appear as small white puffs in the sky. They are often mistaken for altocumulus clouds. These clouds usually indicate fair weather.

Cloud Tops

Cloud Tops

A cloud that extends from the lower levels to a high upper level has significant vertical development. They form by thermal convection or frontal lifting, sustained by the powerful convectional current that holds and pushes the moisture in the clouds further upward. An example of a vertical cloud is the Cumulonimbus cloud.

Rain and Thunder

Rain and Thunder

The predicted precipitation and thunderstomr distriution. By considering this together with the above cloud distribution you should have a good idea of where you want to fly.

Remember rain can significantly reduce visibility and result in loss of VFR minimums.

+263-6677004410