The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) Issues Warning for Selected Counties Amidst El Nino
In a recent update, the Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued a warning regarding the potential for severe weather conditions in specific regions of the country, as a result of the ongoing El Nino phenomenon. The forecast covers the period from Tuesday, October 17 to Monday, October 23.
Kenya Met has identified areas that are expected to experience storms and high temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius. These weather patterns are expected to impact several counties across the country.
Counties located in the Highland East and West of the Rift Valley, including Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, and Embu, will likely experience isolated storms during this period.
The Lake Victoria Basin counties, such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, and Trans Nzoia, among others, are also expected to be affected by these weather conditions.
In addition, North-eastern and North-western counties, including Tharaka, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, should prepare for isolated storms as well.
Coastal regions, including Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, along with North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya, are advised to be ready for high daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
Some areas in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, and the Rift Valley may experience unusually low night-time temperatures, dropping below 10°C.
This caution from the Kenya Met comes in the wake of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) providing guidelines and warnings to Kenyan citizens regarding the impending El Nino. NEMA has emphasized the potential for flooding in certain areas and urged the public to exercise caution and be mindful of their environment.
Kenyans are strongly advised to steer clear of flood-prone areas, including riparian lands and hilltops, to ensure their safety during this period.
NEMA also highlighted the adverse effects of waste clogging drainage infrastructure, especially in urban areas, which exacerbates the flooding problem and can result in loss of life and property. It is crucial to address waste management issues to protect wetland ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, swamps, and oceans.
