The Kenya Meteorological Department has today issued an update on weather conditions affecting Coastal and Eastern Kenya.
In a statement on Sunday, the weather forecast department warned of strong southerly winds with gusts of over 35 knots (about 65 km/h) and choppy coastal waters with 2.0m waves in Coastal and Eastern Kenya through May 24–25, 2025.
MeteoKenya warned residents and marine users to stay informed and take routine precautions.
“Strong southerly winds continue over much of the Coast and Eastern Kenya through 24–25 May. Gusts may reach over 35 knots in some areas. Coastal waters remain choppy with wave heights around 2.0m,” read part of the notice from Kenya Met.
In the neighbouring Tanzania, the Tanzanian Meteorological Authority (TMA) warned that strong winds with speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour and waves of up to two meters high are expected along the Indian Ocean Coast for the next five days.
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This advisory came after two boat capsizing incidents reported by the Kenya Red Cross. Between May 24 and May 25, three boats capsized in Kilifi and Lamu, with several people missing.
Several people were rescued, but search efforts continued despite rough sea conditions, with support from the Coast Guard, Kenya Maritime Authority, and local beach management units
The Kenya Meteorological Department’s monthly forecast for May 2025 had indicated that May marks the end of the “Long Rains” season across much of the country, with rainfall and strong winds often persisting into early June, especially along the coast.
The combination of strong winds and high waves has significant implications for public safety, especially for coastal communities reliant on fishing and small boat operations.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir on Friday ordered the closure of beaches for two days and suspended ocean-based activities (commercial, recreational, fishing, water sports, and construction) following the weather advisory.
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The Kenya Red Cross’s involvement in rescue operations, supported by multi-agency teams, shows the severity and the need for coordinated response efforts.
The current weather event is part of the “Kusi” season, which runs from mid-May to September, characterized by southeast winds from the Indian Ocean, often causing rough sea conditions.
The ongoing search for missing persons indicates the challenges posed by the rough sea conditions, which align with the weather advisory’s warnings.
The Kenya Meteorological Department’s role in issuing timely warnings is vital for disaster preparedness, yet the incidents suggest a need for better dissemination of alerts and stricter safety protocols for marine activities.
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