- The weatherman in the latest forecast says lightning strikes are likely to occur over the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley, and Western parts of the country.
- he notable areas include Kisumu, Narok, Kisii, Nandi, Kakamega, West Pokot, and Bungoma, specifically the Mt. Elgon areas.
Image: FILE
Image: FILE
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The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the ongoing rains will come with a trail of destruction, such as lightning strikes in various parts of the country.
The weatherman in the latest forecast says lightning strikes are likely to occur over the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley, and Western parts of the country.
The notable areas include Kisumu, Narok, Kisii, Nandi, Kakamega, West Pokot, and Bungoma, specifically the Mt. Elgon areas.
“The public is cautioned against seeking shelter under trees or near metallic structures, particularly during rainy conditions,” Kennedy Thiong’o says in the latest November 2023–January 2024.
Thiong’o released the latest forecast on behalf of Kenya Met Director, Dr. David Gikungu.
The forecast shows that most parts of the country will experience above-average rainfall.
This is due to the current El Nino conditions and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), which are typically associated with above-average rainfall over Kenya during the short rainy season.
The forecast shows that rains in some parts of the country will continue into January 2024.
Rainfall cessation is likely to occur in several parts of the country in January as well.
The forecast shows that there is a significant risk of isolated storms developing, and this weather pattern may lead to various forms of flooding.
“Areas prone to flooding include flood plains and locations with inadequate drainage systems, especially in urban settings. Riverbanks are also susceptible to overflow, and flash floods can occur, primarily in regions with low-lying terrain such as Northeastern and Northwestern areas, the Southeastern lowlands, the Coastal region, Lake Victoria Basin, and segments of the Central and South Rift Valley.”
To safeguard lives and property, the forecast says it is of utmost importance that the general public exercise caution during these weather conditions.
“It is strongly advised to refrain from venturing on foot or by vehicle through flooded areas. Additionally, attempting to cross swollen rivers should be avoided at all costs to prevent any loss of life.”
Intermittent flash floods may also result in the disruption of transportation infrastructure, particularly in regions including the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, the Tana River Basin, the Northeastern, and sections of the Southeastern lowlands.
There will be reduced visibility, causing road, marine, and aviation accidents.
The rains are expected to boost water availability and help the state increase forest cover by planting trees.
Waterborne and vector-borne diseases are expected due to water source contamination resulting from flooding.
The presence of stagnant water will serve as a breeding ground for disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes.
Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia will receive significant amounts of rainfall throughout the month.
The rains are likely to be higher than the long-term average received during the same period.
During this time, heavy storms are expected to become more frequent, especially during the afternoons and evenings.
Occasional rainfall is forecast for November 2023 in Turkana and Samburu counties, with the expected amounts likely to surpass the long-term November average.
During this month, there is a possibility of heavy rains accompanied by strong winds exceeding 25 knots in the two counties.
Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Counties will receive morning rains, and afternoon and evening showers are expected over several places in November 2023.
Incidents of heavy rainfall and strong winds may occur during the period.
In Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, rainfall is expected during the month.
Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, and Taita Taveta counties will also receive rain.
The counties of Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale are expected to continue receiving significant rainfall throughout November.
The expected total amounts are likely to be above the long-term average for November.
Occasional heavy rains are likely to continue to be experienced during the forecasted period.
The anticipated rainfall in Kenya is expected to have diverse impacts on agriculture.
Farmers in the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, as well as the Southeastern lowlands, will have favourable conditions for planting crops.
In arid and semi-arid areas, the rains are anticipated to rejuvenate pasturelands.
This is particularly beneficial for livestock farmers, as it ensures the availability of nutritious forage for their animals.
For those while harvesting, the impact of increased rainfall can be mixed.
It can extend the growing period and enhance yields for certain crops, but it may also pose challenges during the harvest, potentially leading to crop damage.