Kenyans should brace themselves for a wet weekend, as the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an alert forecasting isolated heavy rainfall in various parts of the country from April 12 to 13.
According to the weekend weather update, areas in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley including Nairobi are expected to receive significant amounts of rain. Other regions likely to be affected include the South-eastern lowlands, the Coast, as well as the Northwestern and Northeastern parts of the country.
Counties in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the broader Rift Valley set to receive heavy rainfall include Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
This advisory comes amid reports of damage caused by the ongoing rains, particularly in Nairobi, where roads have become impassable due to flooding. A spot-check conducted recently revealed that widespread waterlogging has hampered transport and disrupted daily activities in several urban and rural areas.
April marks the peak of Kenya’s “Long Rains” season, and the Meteorological Department anticipates near-to-above-average rainfall across many parts of the country. In particular, regions around the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley are forecast to experience more intense rainfall, with occasional thunderstorms likely.
The onset of the long rains, spanning March to May, has already begun in parts of the country. The Met Department noted that this onset is typically characterized by a wet spell with at least 20mm of rainfall over three consecutive days, and no dry period of at least seven days within the following three weeks. In the Northern regions, the minimum accumulated rainfall to mark onset is 10mm over three days.
Meanwhile, the coastal region is expected to experience the peak of the rainy season in May.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the anticipated heavy rainfall.
