Met issues strong wind, waves alert in NE and Coast regions

Aura said the winds and high waves will weaken to 20 knots and 2.4 metres on July 26.

In Summary

•"Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage," Aura said.

•"Very high waves may lower visibility, capsize boats and threaten the safety of people engaging in maritime activities."

Strong winds at the Indian ocean distract fishing and tourism activities for security reasons. /FILE
Strong winds at the Indian ocean distract fishing and tourism activities for security reasons. /FILE

Kenyans living in 13 counties have been alerted to brace themselves for strong winds and large waves.

In a July 24 to 25 forecast, Metrological department director Stella Aura said there are south-easterly winds of 20 knots being experienced at the coastal area.

South-eastern Lowlands and North-eastern Kenya will be accompanied by wave heights of 2.4m over the Kenyan Indian Ocean Coastal waters.

In the alert, Aura said the winds and high waves will weaken to 20 knots and 2.4 metres on July 26.

Residents living in Marsabit, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale were warned to look out for very strong winds.

"Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage," Aura said.

"Very high waves may lower visibility, capsize boats and threaten the safety of people engaging in maritime activities."

The August-September weather is usually mixed, and is traditionally rainy and cold, with a brief dry season beginning end of August till October.

Early in the week, Met said dry weather is expected over most parts of Kenya next month, a condition that could drag on until October, according to a new weather forecast.

The larger eastern Kenya is especially expected to be warmer and dry in the next three month, while western Kenya could be wetter than usual.

The forecast was given by the Igad Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, which is based at Dagoretti-corner in Nairobi.

The current forecast means the ongoing drought in northern Kenya will probably only end when the short rains season begins in October.

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