Kenya is expected to experience sunny, dry conditions in September, with below-average rainfall forecast in several parts of the country, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
In its September weather forecast, KMD also warned of strong southerly, southeasterly, and easterly winds exceeding 25 knots (about 12.86 meters per second) in parts of 16 counties during the first half of the month.
The affected areas include Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Tana River, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu.
“Strong southerly to south-easterly/easterly winds, with speeds exceeding 25 knots (12.86m/s), are expected to occur intermittently during the first half of the month in some parts of Marsabit.
Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Tana River, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu Counties,” read part of the forecast.
KMD Lists Areas Set to Receive Rainfall
The department also said below-average rainfall is expected in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisumu, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Bomet, Migori, Homa Bay and Baringo.
Parts of Narok, Nakuru and Turkana are also expected to record below-average rainfall during the month.
Along the Coast, near-average rainfall is forecast for Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale, as well as parts of Tana River, Mandera, Wajir and Garissa.
Meanwhile, Nairobi and several neighbouring central and eastern counties, including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, Taita Taveta and Kajiado, are expected to remain generally sunny and dry, with occasional rainfall.
Similar conditions are forecast in parts of Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Narok, Nakuru and Tana River, while most parts of Isiolo, Turkana and Samburu are expected to remain mainly sunny and dry.
Also Read: Kenya Met Issues New October–December Rainfall Forecast as El Niño Intensifies
Temperatures to Rise
Mean temperatures are expected to remain warmer than average across the country, with the highest departures forecast in Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Turkana and Samburu.
September normally marks the transition from the relatively cool June to August period to the warmer October to December short rains season.
Temperatures are expected to be relatively cooler during the first half of September before rising during the second half.
Maximum temperatures could reach 39°C in parts of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo, while minimum temperatures in these areas are expected to range between 14°C and 26°C.
KMD notes that Turkana and Samburu could record maximum temperatures of between 22°C and 38°C, with minimum temperatures ranging from 8°C to 28°C.
In Nairobi and neighbouring central counties, maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 19°C and 31°C, while minimum temperatures could fall to as low as 5°C.
Also Read: Govt Names Major Roads at Risk of Traffic Disruptions Ahead of El Niño Rains
September Dry Spell to Hit Food, Water and Livestock in Several Counties
The weatherman said dry weather expected across parts of Kenya in September could worsen food, water, and pasture shortages, with several sectors likely to face disruptions.
Agriculture and livestock activities in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisumu, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Bomet, Migori, Homa Bay and parts of Narok, Nakuru and Baringo could be affected by below-average rainfall.
KMD added that dry conditions follow months of limited rainfall that have already contributed to crop losses, raising the risk of food, water and pasture shortages in the affected areas. However, the reduced rainfall could provide favourable conditions for harvesting in some areas.
Further, KMD noted that health risks could rise in Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Taita Taveta, Wajir and Tana River as dry conditions increase the likelihood of respiratory illnesses.
Strong winds and dry weather could also trigger dust storms, worsen respiratory conditions, and increase the risk of eye infections.
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