The Kenya Meteorological Department has told the country to brace for a chilly and rainy September.
In an interview with the Star, director David Gikungu said they expect the cold season to extend deep into the month.
“The month of September has normally been one that you can pick any day for an outdoor event and you will be fine weather-wise, but that is not the case now,” he said.
He cited heavy rains in Ethiopia and the effects of climate change as the reasons behind the chilly weather in September.
“In Ethiopia, they have had very heavy rain during this season. After that the sun starts its way towards the south and as it goes it will be overhead at the Equator sometime this month. Whenever it is overhead, it is followed by a cloud bunch, which is causing rainfall over western Kenya,” Gikungu explained.
“With the cloud bunch it means we cannot have intensive heat from the sun.”
Gikungu added that the phenomenon is further aided by changes in climatic patterns which have also changed drastically.
“That is why people are talking about climate change. It is a departure from what we call normal or average [temperature],” Gikungu added.
The weatherman on Tuesday said most parts of the country will experience very cold weather patterns for most days of September accompanied by occasional rainfall.
Among the regions forecast to experience rains in moderation and heavy amounts include the Highland East, which comprises Nairobi, west of Rift Valley, Lake Victoria basin, Rift Valley and the Coastal region.
Similarly, the regions were projected to experience very cloudy and cold conditions in morning hours during the forecast period.
Among the counties located in the listed regions include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Nairobi.
Other counties expected to experience very cloudy and cold conditions are Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya and Kisumu.
By Star