The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued a rainfall forecast for the period spanning Tuesday, January 27, through Monday, February 2, warning residents in several regions to prepare for wet conditions.
According to the meteorological agency, the western and central highlands are expected to experience moderate to heavy showers, while parts of the coastal region and northeastern counties will see lighter rainfall. Counties projected to receive notable rainfall include Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, and Murang’a, among others. Coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale are likely to experience scattered showers, mainly in the afternoons and evenings.
Kenya Met attributed the rainfall to an interaction between the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and occasional easterly winds from the Indian Ocean. The agency noted that while some areas will enjoy beneficial rains for agriculture, residents should remain vigilant as localized flooding may occur, especially in low-lying areas and along riverbanks.
“The rains are expected to be intermittent, with the heaviest precipitation in western and central Kenya,” Kenya Met stated. “Motorists are advised to exercise caution on slippery roads, and farmers should take necessary measures to protect crops from potential heavy downpours.”
This forecast comes amid ongoing concerns over water scarcity in northern and eastern Kenya, where rainfall has been below average this season. Meteorologists believe that the upcoming showers could provide relief for farmers and pastoralists in these regions, though they caution that dry spells may persist in some areas.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated with daily forecasts and warnings issued by Kenya Met to ensure safety and mitigate potential damage from heavy rainfall.
By tuko