Meteorological Department: Expect Above Normal Rainfall in March, April & May

The weatherman is warning of flooding in Budalang’i, Nyando and Baringo as well as in the South-Eastern lowlands, Tana- River and Garissa counties.

While releasing the long rains seasonal forecast the Director of Kenya Meteorological Department Stella Aura, urged caution in Kakamega and Kisii areas where lightning is prevalent.

“There will be enhanced rainfall over the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Central and South Rift Valley, the North-west, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, and the South Eastern lowlands,” she said adding that, “near-average rainfall is expected over the North-eastern and the Coastal regions.”

With the country coming from a La Nina weather pattern that saw most of the counties receiving below normal rainfall during the short rains season, Aura urged the ASAL counties to put in place soil conservation measures owing to the heavy rainfall which may lead to soil erosion.

In addition, Aura said that the Arid and Semi-Arid lands (ASALs) could see a rise in pests and animal diseases due to the expected moisture after a long period of dry weather advising them to stock enough herbicides and pesticides as well as enhance disease surveillance, control and prevention.

Aura further said that the current shortage of food, water and pasture for both humans, livestock and wildlife is likely to persist for some time and advised the National and County governments as well as humanitarian organizations to continue with measures being implemented to avert loss of lives, livelihoods and livestock.

They further noted that around the Lake Victoria region there could be a surge in cholera and typhoid outbreaks.

The Weatherman is further warning that there will be an expected rise in water levels in Lake Victoria and the Rift Valley lakes owing to the expected enhanced rainfall in the catchment areas that serve the lakes.

The Director called for maximisation of agricultural productivity during the season that will the country well covered by the expected enhanced rainfall.

“The Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the South and Central Rift Valley, Southeastern lowlands are advised to take advantage of the expected rains and maximize on crop yield through appropriate farming and land-use management practices,” said Aura.