May marks the end of the “Long Rains” season across much of the country, except for the Coastal and western regions, where rainfall typically extends into June.
In the monthly forecast, the Kenya Meteorological Department says several parts of the country are likely to experience near-average to above average rainfall, “with a few areas over north Coast and parts of Garissa County expected to receive near to below average rainfall.”
According to the Director of Meteorological Service Dr. David Gikungu, even as the season comes to an end, there is a possibility of isolated severe storms over several parts of the country during the month.
“Rains are, however, likely to continue into the June, July to August (JJA) season over the Western Kenya and the Coastal region,” says Dr. Gikungu and adds that, “the JJA cool and cloudy season is expected to set in over the highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, with a gradual reduction in rainfall anticipated towards the end of the month over the Northeastern and parts of the Southeastern regions.”
Temperature is expected to be warmer than average over the counties of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and Nairobi, the Coastal region, South Rift Valley, Southeastern lowlands and Northeastern parts of the country.
Dr. Gikungu notes that, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Central Rift Valley, Northwestern and parts of the Lake Victoria Basin are expected to have near average to cooler than average temperatures.
There is a likelihood of flooding in low-lying areas and flood plains, especially over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Coastal region as well as in poorly drained urban centers where rainfall is expected. “County Governments are being advised to clear drainages in good time to avert flooding in the urban areas,” says the weatherman and urges the public to avoid driving or walking through flooded rivers or moving waters.
“Cases of lightning strikes are likely over the Lake Victoria Basin and Highlands West of the Rift Valley, especially in Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Bungoma (Mt. Elgon areas), and Kakamega Counties,” warns Dr. Gikungu and adds that, “The should avoid taking shelter near metallic structures or under trees to avoid the risk of lightning strikes, which could lead to loss of life.”
Dr. Gikungu further warns of the risk of vector-borne diseases, like Malaria, around the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, and the Coastal region while flood-prone areas, in the Lake Victoria region, could experience outbreaks of waterborne diseases. He is urging the health sector to strategically distribute medical supplies and insect-treated nets in the affected areas.
Dr. Gikungu is further urging for public health education efforts focusing on disease prevention, while enhancing initiatives aimed at promoting Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), activities to mitigate the spread of diseases among vulnerable populations.
The anticipated floods in some parts of the country could pose a risk of causing structural damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and poorly constructed buildings, the possibility of sub-standard facilities. The public is being asked to exercise caution while driving in rainy conditions and to refrain from crossing flooded roads in order to minimize the risk of accidents resulting from adverse weather conditions.
By Judith Akolo
