She said the equatorial sea surface temperatures are below average from the west - central-eastern Pacific Ocean and above average in the western Pacific.
This, she said, implies that la niña conditions are present and this usually results in below average rainfall over Kenya.
Aura said January being a typically dry month will be suitable for harvesting, drying and storage of grains in the agricultural areas of south-eastern and highlands east of the Rift Valley.
“Reduction of pasture and fodder for wildlife and livestock is still likely especially over the north-western and parts of the north-eastern sectors of the country.
"The reduction of water and pasture over the northern sector of the country may lead to human to human and human to wildlife conflicts,” the weather outlook showed.
Met advised the Ministry of Interior and humanitarian institutions to put in place measures to avert possible negative impacts that may arise such as the loss of lives, livelihoods and property.
On water resources management and energy, Aura said the expected dry conditions may impact negatively on the major river catchment areas for the country’s hydroelectric power generating dams.
She advised the public to invest in water harvesting practices/techniques to harness the occasional rain water in areas where rainfall is expected.
According to Famine Early Warning Systems Network global weather hazards summary report, heavy rainfall was observed in eastern Kenya and southern Somalia towards the end of December 2021.
“Over the past 14 days, increased rainfall was reported in eastern Kenya and southern Somalia which led to flooding in Kitui county.
"Over the past 30 days, below average rainfall was experienced throughout the region.
"Over the past 60 days, below-average rainfall persisted over southern Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. This lack of rainfall led to dry conditions across the Horn of Africa,” the early warning report said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
