The Kenya Meteorological Department has outlined the country’s current and expected weather conditions as the long rains season draws to a close in most regions. Kenya Met stated that May marks the end of the March-to-May long rains period in much of the country, excluding coastal and western areas where rainfall can persist into June.
According to the latest weather advisory issued 14th May, several regions have experienced moderate to heavy rains in recent days, with Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi County, the Rift Valley, parts of the Southeastern lowlands and the Coastal region reporting significant downpours.
The weekly forecast for 13th to 19th had indicated that rainfall was expected to continue over these regions but with reduced intensity and spatial coverage during the second half of the week.
However, Kenyans should prepare for a shift in weather patterns as the rains begin to ease up.
Kenya Met Forecast
Starting May 15, the intensity and coverage of rainfall are expected to reduce gradually, although intermittent showers are likely to continue in parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Coastal region.
“The northeast, northwest and most of the Southeastern lowlands are expected to remain generally dry, though isolated showers may occur in the northwest,” the advisory noted.
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Additionally, in June, rainfall is projected to persist in western Kenya and along the coast, with occasional spillovers into the central region.
Nairobi and surrounding areas should expect cooler, cloudier conditions, accompanied by light rains as the cold season begins to set in.
Citizens to Remain Alert
The department also warned that the high ground areas of Marsabit County and parts of the Southeastern lowlands will likely experience a gradual cooling trend, while the northeast and much of the lowlands will remain dry.
Citizens are urged to remain alert, especially in areas still prone to sporadic heavy rains that may impact travel and infrastructure.
Also Read: World Met Explains El Niño Patterns in Kenya and East Africa
The Meteorological Department emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and updates as Kenya transitions into a cooler and drier season.
This forecast comes a day after The World Meteorological Organization has released a report titled State of Climate Africa 2024, explaining the El Niño patterns experienced in Kenya and East Africa.
As per the report, Kenya and East Africa saw a devastating series of floods caused by exceptionally heavy, long rains from March to May, which led to significant damage across Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and other parts of the region.
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