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.
