The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and potential floods in several regions across the country.
According to the seven-day rainfall forecast from April 2 to April 8, KMD has identified seven areas to experience significant heavy downpours.
The regions listed include the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, and the Coast.
Additionally, the Southeastern Lowlands, Northeastern Kenya, and Northwestern Kenya are expected to be affected by the rainfall.
“Heavy rainfall of more than 30mm in 24hrs is expected over several parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area on Tuesday 2nd April 2024,” said the weatherman in a statement.
Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant and prepare for potential flooding.
Meanwhile, the weatherman alerted Kenyans about exceptionally high day time temperatures in 11 counties.
Areas of concern include, “Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Busia, Migori, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo.”
Floods Advisory
The residents in these counties were advised to stay vigilant.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods and flash floods. Residents are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
“Gusty winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. Updates on the ensuing weather will be provided promptly,” KMD statement read in part.
In the coastal and northeastern regions of Kenya, will experience warm nights as the nighttime temperatures are anticipated to remain elevated, exceeding 25°C.
Also Read: Sakaja Issues 5 Directives After Nairobi Floods
Temperature Ranges
The Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley, encompassing Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, and Trans Nzoia, are forecasted to experience maximum temperatures ranging from 3o°C to 31°C.
Other regions listed to have the temperature range are Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and West Pokot.
The minimum temperatures across the regions will vary from 12°C to 14°C.
Also, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi Counties, are expected to experience maximum temperatures ranging from 28°C to 29°C.
Their minimum temperatures will be between 10°C-13°C.
In the southeastern lowlands (Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta), as well as along the Coast, maximum temperatures are expected to peak at 32°C to 34°C.
Along the Coast, minimum temperatures will range from 24°C to 26°C, while in the southeastern lowlands, minimum temperatures will range between 14°C and 16°C.
Also Read: Family of Police Swept by Floods Makes Appeal to Govt
Rain of death
Kenyans across the country found themselves grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains that pounded most parts of the country on Sunday, March 24.
Several roads flooded and pedestrians on the other hand sought help to cross some roads as walkways remained flooded.
A police officer was on March 24 evening swept away by raging floods in Nairobi’s Country Bus station while helping to rescue four people trapped by the flash floods.
The officer, David Chesire, from Kamukunji Police Station, was in the company of his colleagues when they came across three women and a child trapped in one of the stalls where a concrete slab had caved in.
Furthermore, the relentless downpour accompanied by storms, toppled trees in various areas of the city, including Dennis Pritt Road in Kilimani.
