April marks the peak month of the “Long Rains” season, and the Weatherman is warning of heavy rainfall across the country.
The monthly outlook released by the Kenya Meteorological Department indicates that “near-to above-average rainfall is expected across most parts of the country,” says the statement by the director of Meteorological Services Dr. David Gikungu.
Gikungu says that the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, Highlands East of the Rift Valley and Nairobi, South-Eastern Lowlands, Northwestern and parts of Northeastern Kenya are likely to receive enhanced rainfall. The
He notes that the Coastal region and the remaining part of Northeastern Kenya, are expected to experience near-average rainfall. “Isolated episodes of heavy rainfall are likely to occur in various parts of the country during the month,” he says and adds, “Warmer than average temperatures are also anticipated over the whole country.”
The Weatherman is warning of a possibility of isolated storms occurring, which could result in flash and riverine floods in poorly drained urban centers, along rivers over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Nairobi County, the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift, the Southeastern lowlands, and the low-lying areas of northern Kenya.
“The public is advised not to walk, drive, or cycle in moving waters to avoid risks that could lead to loss of life,” further warning of anticipated landslides in the high-risk areas over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley.
Dr. Gikungu is warning of the possibility of lightning strikes over the Lake Victoria Basin, western parts of the country, and parts of the South Rift Valley, notably in areas such as Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Kakamega, Narok, and Bungoma, “the public are cautioned against seeking shelter from the rain under trees or near metallic structures.”
Among the risks associated with increased rainfall is the possibility of an increase in water and vector-borne diseases, especially over the Lake Victoria Basin, “as stagnant water coupled with warmer than average temperatures are likely to provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pathogens,” warns Dr. Gikungu and adds that, “the public are encouraged to use insect-treated nets and embrace Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) practices in order to minimize their exposure to diseases.”
The long rains peak month could also lead to slippery roads and poor visibility, during days with heavy rainfall and motorists are being advised “to be careful on the roads to minimize accidents.”
The near to above-average rainfall expected over the high agricultural potential areas of the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Central and South Rift Valley, and the Southeastern lowlands are conducive for agriculture.
According to the Weatherman, pasture is expected to rejuvenate over the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of northern Kenya owing to the rainfall received towards the end of March with occasional rainfall expected in April which will further boost productivity in the drier areas.
