The Kenya Meteorological Department – KMD has announced that the ongoing rains attributed to the El Nino are expected to extend into January 2024 in some parts of the country.
In a weather outlook report on Wednesday, November 1, the weatherman reported that most parts of the country will continue receiving above average rainfall for the next three months.
The rains, according to the report, will be driven by the previously predicted El Nino conditions and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
However, the rains will stop at the beginning of January 2024 in some parts of the country- according to the met department.
Additionally, the report indicated that several parts of Kenya will experience warmer temperatures except in the Northeast and parts of the Coast (Tana River), where temperatures are expected to be cooler than the average cumulatively.
“In some parts of the country, the rains will continue into January 2024. Rainfall cessation is likely to occur in several parts of the country in January as well,” the report read in part.
How the El Nino Manifested itself in October
In the month of October, the weatherman reported remarkable rainfall in parts of the country with isolated cases of flooding.
Also Read: Met Department Issues Tips to Survive El Nino Rains
For instance, parts of the Northeastern region and the former Western Province experienced floods which saw scores affected.
As per a review by the department, the start of the short rain season was realized from the third to fourth week of October over several parts of the country except over the western sector Lake Victoria Basin and parts of Central and South Rift Valley where rainfall continued from September.
In addition, regions along the Coastal strip, parts of the Central highlands and Southeastern experienced heavy storms that led to flooding.
Also Read: Death Reported as El Nino Hits Parts of Kenya
Uncertainty over rains
The reports came despite uncertainty surrounding the extent of the rain to be expected during the short rain season.
The forecast has had several twists, with the weather department retracting its formerly announced warning of an El Nino.
Instead, KMD stated that the country would only receive above-average rainfall. Despite its position that the earlier warning should not be overlooked, President William Ruto made a contradicting statement un late October noting that the weatherman had assured that Kenya would not experience the predicted heavy rains.
Whilst the announcement could have signaled a relief for Kenyans including farmers, questions continued to merge on the fate of the funds mobilized in response to the anticipated heavy rains.
