- Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu said the moderate to heavy rainfall may extend inland from Monday accompanied by strong winds.
- Gikungu said other parts of the country should also expect occasional moderate rains of between five to 20mm to heavy rains of between 20-50mm.
Image: SCREENGRAB
The Kenya Meteorological Department now says the anticipated Cyclone Hidaya has completely lost its strength after making landfall in Tanzania.
However, Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu said that despite the weakening of the cyclone, rains are still expected in the Kenyan coastal regions.
Gikungu said Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu counties are likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall offshore.
"Following its landfall at Mafia Island on Saturday, May 4, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Hidaya completely lost its strength. The remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the cyclone have been observed to weaken and spread out in various areas of the southern region of Tanzania, as confirmed by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority," Gikungu said.
He said the moderate to heavy rainfall may extend inland on Monday and Tuesday whilst accompanied by strong winds.
The director said the strong winds are expected to hit over 40 knots and large Ocean waves may rise above two meters.
Gikungu said other parts of the country should also expect occasional moderate rains of between five to 20mm to heavy rains of between 20-50mm.
The director cautioned residents at the coastal regions and individuals involved in marine activities in the Indian Ocean to take maximum precautions.
Gikungu said Kenyans should stay informed by regularly checking the latest weather forecasts and updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department website and social media pages.
"Seek guidance from experts in relevant fields to mitigate potential impacts. Stay safe and prepared," he said.
Forecast for other parts of the country indicates that rainfall is likely to continue over the Western region in the counties of Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia.
The Lake Victoria Basin comprising Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya and Homabay counties will also continue experiencing rains, the forecast shows.
The Rift Valley region that's home to Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Kajiado and Narok counties will also receive rains.
Nairobi county and the entire Central Kenya region consisting Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Kiambu and Nyandarua counties will also be affected.
The situation will be replicated in Eastern region in the counties of Machakos, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Makueni and Kitui.
Gikungu said most parts of the Northeastern region (Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties, as well as Northwestern counties of Turkana, Samburu and Marsabit counties and parts of Southeastern (Taita Taveta, Tana River counties) are forecast to be generally dry.
He, however, said the areas will likely experience occasional light to moderate rainfall.
Gikungu said the continuing rainfall in the Central region and the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams are likely to exacerbate flooding in the Tana Delta, impacting Garissa, Tana River and Lamu counties.
The director added that continued rainfall in the catchment areas of the Lake Victoria Basin, as well as the backflow from Lake Victoria may continue causing flooding of counties in the region.
These are Homa Bay, Kisumu, Busia, Migori and Siaya counties.
He said the department continues to monitor weather systems and their associated impacts and will provide forecast updates when necessary.