Kenya braces for early long rains as weatherman issues advisory
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning that the long rains season is expected to begin earlier than anticipated in some parts of the country. The early onset of rains has been attribued to an atmospheric event known as the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), which affects global weather patterns.
The MJO phenomenon occurs when a large-scale wave of clouds, rain, and storms moves around the Earth near the equator, typically taking 30 to 60 days to complete one cycle. According to meteorologists, the second phase of the Oscillation, expected in the second week of March, will likely trigger the early onset of the rainy season.
The meteorological department has projected near to above-average rainfall in several parts of the country. The regions expected to receive significant rainfall include:
- The Lake Victoria Basin
- The Highlands West of the Rift Valley
- The Central and Southern Rift Valley
- The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County
- The Southeastern Lowlands
- Isolated areas in the Northeast and Northwest
However, coastal areas, most parts of the Northeast, and Northwestern Kenya will likely experience near to below-average rainfall.
In addition to the early rains, the meteorological department has raised concerns about flash floods and riverine floods in poorly drained urban areas. Residents in flood-prone regions are advised to avoid walking, driving, or cycling in moving water to minimize the risk of accidents and loss of life.
Urban centers with poor drainage systems are expected to bear the brunt of the floods, potentially leading to property damage and disruptions in transportation. Authorities have urged local governments to clear drainage systems ahead of the rains to prevent severe flooding
The weatherman has also forecasted higher-than-average temperatures across the country during the rainy season. The most affected regions will include:
- The Northeast and Northwest
- The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi
- Parts of the Coast and Southeastern Lowlands
With the rains expected to arrive sooner than usual, farmers have been urged to adjust their planting schedules to take advantage of the early rainfall. The government and relevant authorities are also being called upon to enhance disaster preparedness measures to mitigate potential impacts.
