David Gikungu said the month of June will be mostly dry, but will also feature occasional cool and cloudy conditions.
The long
rains season is officially behind us, and most parts of Kenya can now expect
predominantly dry and sunny weather this month, the
weatherman has said.
Dr David Gikungu, the Director of Meteorological Services, predicted that this month will be “generally
dry and sunny conditions for several parts of the country.”
However, the month will also feature “occasional cool and
cloudy conditions with light rains,” particularly in the Central Highlands,
Nairobi area, parts of western Kenya, and the Southeastern lowlands, which refers to Ukambani and Voi
area.
“The highlands
west of the Rift
Valley, the Lake Victoria basin,
the central Rift Valley
and parts of the southern
Rift Valley, and parts of northwestern
Kenya are likely to experience above-normal cumulative rainfall,” he said in a statement. “This
rainfall may occasionally extend eastwards into other parts of the highlands east of the Rift Valley and Nairobi
County.”
While daytime temperatures will generally be higher than
average across many parts of the country, chilly days are expected in the
highlands.
“Despite the warmer than average temperatures expected, the central highlands, Nairobi area, and parts of
Kajiado County may experience low daytime temperatures below 18°C,” he noted.
Dr Gikungu explained that June marks the beginning of
Kenya’s cold season. “Occasional cool and cloudy (overcast) conditions with
intermittent light morning rains or drizzles will be observed, especially in
the central highlands and Nairobi,” he
said. “A few days are anticipated to be cold and chilly, with daytime (maximum)
temperatures dropping below 18°C in various parts due to the overcast skies”.
He advised
residents in these areas are advised to keep warm and avoid poorly
ventilated spaces when using charcoal jikos, as cold conditions can worsen
respiratory illnesses.
Looking ahead to the broader June-July-August (JJA) season, the weatherman said that the highlands west of the Rift
Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley will more rains than they usually get
within this time, which will benefit farmers and water catchment areas.
“The highlands
west of the Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin are likely to receive near
to above-average rainfall,” he said.
“In the Central Highlands and Nairobi, cool and cloudy conditions with
occasional light to moderate rainfall are anticipated.”
Meanwhile, much of the northeastern and southeastern
lowlands will remain generally dry.
He added: “The Coastal Strip is expected to receive
near-average rainfall with a tendency toward below-average amounts”.
According to the Department, the temperatures across most of
the country during this three-month period will be “warmer than average.”
However, there are exceptions: “Counties such as Turkana, West Pokot, parts of
Samburu, Marsabit, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, and Baringo may experience cooler
than average temperatures”.
For farmers, the June-August rainfall is likely to boost crop production in
agriculturally rich counties. “The expected rainfall may be conducive for
agricultural production, particularly in the high-potential counties in the Lake
Victoria basin region, highlands west of the Rift Valley, as well as central and southern Rift Valley,” said Dr Gikungu.
He
warned of potential flooding in low-lying areas around Lake Victoria and parts
of western Kenya. “Relevant authorities are therefore advised to implement
measures to mitigate possible negative impacts that may arise. The public is
advised to refrain from driving or walking through flooded rivers or moving
waters,” he said.
Dr Gikungu encouraged the public to take advantage of the
rainfall to support national reforestation goals.