According to the Kenya Meteorological Service, most regions of Kenya will experience generally dry conditions from August 13 to 20, with rainfall anticipated in eight counties.
The weather outlook highlights that Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nyandarua, and Nyeri may see some rainfall during this period.
The Kenya Meteorological Service has confirmed that the majority of the country will likely remain dry this week.
The forecast emphasizes that while most areas will be dry, the eight identified counties show the potential for rainfall, and other regions may experience intermittent cool and cloudy conditions.
These cool and cloudy conditions are expected in parts of Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Marsabit, and Wajir counties.
Nyandarua and Nyeri appear in both categories, indicating they may receive rainfall and also experience intermittent cool and cloudy weather in certain areas.
Residents in counties forecasted to receive rainfall should prepare for a transition from the predominantly dry conditions that have prevailed across much of the nation. Meanwhile, those in areas expecting cool and cloudy weather can anticipate lower temperatures and increased cloud cover.
The Kenya Meteorological Service provides weather forecasts to facilitate planning and preparedness across various sectors, including agriculture, transport, health, and disaster management.
Additionally, counties at high risk have been encouraged to activate their anticipatory mechanisms in light of the expected El Niño rains.
Counties such as Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Nakuru should take note, as water levels in Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Nakuru are already on the rise.
Weather experts from the Kenya Meteorological Department advise these counties to prepare for a worst-case scenario to safeguard lives and property ahead of the anticipated heavy rainfall driven by El Niño during the October-November-December short rains season.
The meteorologists caution that El Niño-induced rains may lead to backflow in lakes, potentially resulting in displacement.
Misiani Zachary, a Disaster Risk Management and Anticipatory Action Expert at the Kenya Met, stated, “The strong El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole signals could enhance rainfall, potentially triggering an early onset of the season marked by torrential downpours and flash floods across various parts of the country.”
During a recent webinar discussing the potential impacts of the rains in Kenya, Misiani noted that Lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha are among the lakes likely to be affected by water backflow.
